What does it mean if contour lines point uphill?

When contour lines point uphill, it signifies that you are encountering a ridge. This configuration occurs because contour lines represent elevation changes; when they curve upwards, it shows that the land is rising towards the high point. If contour lines are viewed from a topographic map perspective, their arrows indicate that as you follow the lines in a certain direction, you're moving towards a higher elevation.

In essence, the direction of the contour line is crucial for understanding the terrain's shape; lines that come to a peak indicate a ridge, while those that spread apart indicate flat terrain or possibly a water body. Therefore, the correct interpretation for contour lines that point uphill is that they indicate a ridge, accurately representing the local topography.