How accurate are contour lines in representing elevation?

Contour lines are an essential tool in topographic maps, used to represent elevation change over a landscape. When contour lines represent elevation, they typically do so with a specified interval, often to the nearest foot. This means that the elevation represented by each contour line is accurate to within one foot of the actual elevation at any given point along that line.

The accuracy of contour lines is crucial for various applications in landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental planning. Knowing that contour lines are often given in increments that correspond to the nearest foot allows professionals to make informed decisions about drainage, grading, and overall land use. This level of accuracy is generally adequate for most planning and design purposes, where precise measurements can be achieved through additional surveying techniques if needed.

The other options suggest different levels of accuracy that may not align with standard practices in topographic mapping. For instance, representing elevation to the nearest meter or centimeter would not account for the typical foot-based intervals used in many regions. The assertion that contour lines are not accurate overlooks the established practice of utilizing them to represent meaningful and measurable elevation changes.