How can contour map data be used to determine volume?

In summary, to calculate the volume of a hill given a contour map, you would work out the area of each contour line and multiply by the distance between lines. Additionally, there is a law for calculating the area of any polygon if you have the x,y coordinates of each vertex, regardless of shape. This law involves adding and subtracting the products of the coordinates, and does not require calculating lengths or angles.
  • #1
brandy
161
0
if you are given a contour map how could you calculate the volume of the hill.
 
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  • #2
Roughly you would work out the area of each contour line and multiply by the distance between lines.
There is an interesting law for the area of any polygon if you are given the contours as line segments.
 
  • #3
they'r ellipses but id still like to hear it
 
  • #4
If you have the x,y coordinates of each vertex of a polygon then
Area = (x0y1 + x1y2 + ... + xn-1y0 - y0x1 - y1x2 - ... - yn-1x0) / 2

It doesn't matter what shape it is (doesn't have to be convex) as long as the sides don't
cross each other.
 
  • #5
what exactly do u mean by x0 and x1 and y0 and etc
 
  • #6
The coordinates of each vertex of the polygon, ie x0,y0 is the first corner, x1,y1 is the second etc..
The nice thing is that you don't have to calculate any lengths or angles.
 

1. What is the purpose of calculating volume for a contour map?

The purpose of calculating volume for a contour map is to determine the total amount of space or material within a specific area represented by the map. This information can be useful in various fields such as engineering, geology, and environmental science.

2. How is volume calculated for a contour map?

The volume for a contour map can be calculated by using the formula V = ∫ A(x) dx, where V is the total volume, A(x) is the cross-sectional area at a specific elevation, and dx is the change in elevation. This integral is typically approximated by dividing the area into smaller sections and using basic geometry to calculate the volume of each section.

3. What are the units of measurement for volume on a contour map?

The units of measurement for volume on a contour map will depend on the units used for the elevations and the area. For example, if the elevations are measured in meters and the area is measured in square meters, then the volume will be measured in cubic meters.

4. How do contour intervals affect the calculation of volume?

The contour interval, which is the difference in elevation between each contour line, can affect the calculation of volume by changing the accuracy of the results. A smaller contour interval will result in a more precise calculation, while a larger contour interval will result in a less precise calculation.

5. Are there any limitations to calculating volume for a contour map?

Yes, there are some limitations to calculating volume for a contour map. The accuracy of the results will depend on the accuracy of the contour lines and elevations on the map. Additionally, this method may not account for irregularities or variations in the terrain, which could affect the actual volume in real-life conditions.

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