Contour Lines
In space and astronautical engineering, contour lines are imaginary lines that connect points of equal altitude or elevation on a planetary surface. These lines are used to create topographic maps of planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies. Contour lines provide valuable information about the shape and structure of a planetary surface, including the location of mountains, valleys, and other features. By analyzing the spacing and orientation of contour lines, scientists can also determine the slope and steepness of a planetary surface, which is important for planning landing sites for spacecraft and rovers. Contour lines are typically generated using data from remote sensing instruments, such as radar or laser altimeters, that measure the distance between the spacecraft and the planetary surface.
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