A contour line (also isopleth, level set, isogram or isarithm) for a function of two variables is a curve connecting points where the function has a particular value. A contour map is a map showing contour lines.
The gradient of the function is always perpendicular to the contour lines. When the lines are close together the gradient is large: the variation is steep.
Different types of contour lines are given different names according to the nature of the quantity involved:
"Iso" can be replaced with "isallo" to give it the meaning of a line connecting points where some variable has changed at the same rate during some time period.
External links
Drawing Contour Plots (http://avc.comm.nsdlib.org/cgi-bin/wiki_print.pl?Drawing_Contour_Plots). A lesson plan that deals with drawing various isopleths.
See also Forthright's Phrontistery (http://phrontistery.50megs.com/contour.html) for many more different types of isopleths.
Successful contour drawing is characterized by perception and control and demands the experience of visual and graphic practice to achieve competence.
The required objectives were to: (1) create a contour drawing of 4 or more objects, (2) illustrate overlapping and size variety, (3) form arrangement must extend over/under 2 or more sides and (4) include line styles as an option.
Contour drawing can be augmented by shadow lines, texture, and is an excellent means of basic study for "sequential drawing".
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