What do close contour lines on a topographic map indicate?

Close contour lines on a topographic map indicate steep terrain. When contour lines are situated closely together, it signifies a rapid change in elevation over a short distance. This is characteristic of areas such as hills or mountains where the slope is significant. The closer the lines are, the steeper the slope, which can provide crucial information for navigating and understanding the topography of an area.

In contrast, flat terrain would be represented by widely spaced contour lines, indicating little to no change in elevation. Water bodies like lakes or rivers are often depicted without contour lines or with specific symbols indicating their presence, while open fields would not show a significant elevation change and would also have more widely spaced contour lines. Thus, understanding the spacing of contour lines is vital for interpreting the landscape effectively.