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Published on 5 November 2024

Contour lines: The enigma of terrain profiles

In this article, learn how to read contour lines, to calculate differences in altitude and to recognise mountains, valley and hills. Just imagine that you are in the midst of the mountains, surrounded by breathtaking nature. You are holding a hiking map and want to continue to the next mountain tavern. You can discern the plotted route to the mountain tavern on the map, but you can’t see it from your location.

In beautiful weather, two hikers take a break on the Kaiseregg and look out over the mountain landscape towards the Alps. In the background, a cloudless, blue sky.
Map reading is in!

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Division Cartography
Seftigenstrasse 264
3084 Wabern