Contours

+ This tool requires a Pro license

A loaded terrain layer that is visible in the map can be used to create equally spaced contour lines.

Steps for Contour Generation

  1. With an elevation layer currently loaded, select the Contours tool from the Toolbox.

  2. Specify parameters on the Contour Generation Options page. (see information below)

  3. Click OK to generate the contour line layer.

Contour Generation Options:

Contour Layer Name - Use this field to enter the name that will be assigned to the new contour layer.

Single Elevation (meters)- Select this option to only generate contour lines at a particular specified height measured in meters.

Elevation Range (meters) - Use this section to specify the range of elevations to include for the contour generation, the height interval at which the contours will be generated, and the interval that generated contours will be assigned major or minor styling.

  • Min Elevation - Specify the minimum elevation that contours will be generated for.

  • Max Elevation - Specify the maximum elevation that contours will be generated for.

  • Contour Interval - Select an elevation interval at which to create contours.

  • Minor Interval Multiple - This value will be multiplied by the specified Contour Interval to determine the frequency that minor contour lines will be generated.

  • Major Interval Multiple - This value will be multiplied by the specified Contour Interval to determine the frequency that major contour lines will be generated.

Interpolate to Fill Small Gaps in Data - Select this option to interpolate over small holes or areas of no data in the grid or lidar data when generating contour line help prevent breaks or fragmented lines.

Append Unit ('m') to Elevation Labels - When this option is selected, contour labels will include the unit after the elevation value.

Smooth Contour Lines to Improve Appearance - Select this option to add additional vertices along the generated line and area features to improve their appearance.

Discard Small Closed Contours - Specify a minimum length, all contours smaller then this value will not be included in the final output layer.