Contouring—Simulation of Cartographer's Procedure

Abstract

Contours must be interpolated when preparing new maps on the basis of existing maps (for example, transforming contours from feet to meters). The new contours are generated by simulating the manual interpolation a skilled cartographer would perform, rather than by forming a digital elevation model. This approach seems advantageous, since the newly interpolated contours conform to the old ones. This is not always the case with contours derived from an elevation model that has been interpolated from the existing contours. The simulation involves two main procedures: Subdividing the map area into subareas, strips bounded by neighboring contours of consecutive or equal elevations, and selecting relevant strips and locating new contours within them, while considering the character of the terrain as described by contours adjoining the strips.