Editing Contour line (section)

== Plan view versus profile view ==
{{see also|Topographic profile}}
Most commonly contour lines are drawn in plan view, or as an observer in space would view the Earth's surface: ordinary map form. However, some parameters can often be displayed in profile view showing a vertical profile of the parameter mapped. Some of the most common parameters mapped in profile are [[air pollutant concentrations]] and [[Sound exposure level|sound level]]s.  In each of those cases it may be important to analyze (air pollutant concentrations or sound levels) at varying heights so as to determine the air quality or [[noise health effects]] on people at different elevations, for example, living on different floor levels of an urban apartment. <!-- One can see an example of vertical contours in the article on [[noise barrier]]s. (Article does not have such an example.) --> In actuality, both plan and profile view contour maps are used in [[air pollution]] and [[noise pollution]] studies.

[[Image:Cntr-map-1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Contour map labeled aesthetically in an "elevation up" manner.]]