contour line

Had they studied a topographic map before buying this home, they could have seen from the contour lines how much land above them collected water, then funneled it to their lot.

It arcs along a contour line 2 feet below the typical low tide.

The rising contour line of the snow pile in the foreground continues into the background hill, which itself merges with the receding roof line of the tallest building.

“It’s using the rainwater,” he explained, “using the contour lines, using your environment and nature to grow food.”

The map turtles’ name is derived from shell markings that resemble the contour lines on topographic maps.