The outer edges or outlines of something, or lines on a map that show areas of equal height or depth.
From Italian 'contorno' (outline), derived from Latin 'contra' (against) and 'tornare' (to turn). Originally meant the line that goes around or against the edges.
Contour maps revolutionized cartography and military strategy because they let soldiers and engineers see the actual shape of terrain from above—the British Army used contour maps extensively in the 18th century, and this technology became so powerful that controlling who could make accurate maps was a state secret.
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