A short line on a relief map that shows the downhill direction of a slope. The thickness and spacing of these lines indicate the relief. The steeper the slope the thicker the line. This method of relief portrayal is rarely used on today's maps; it has been replaced by contours, shading and hypsometric tints.
shading consisting of multiple crossing lines
tiny, short lines used to represent relief features. Each hachure line lies in the direction of the steepest slope. Lines that are closer together or wider denote steeper slopes, and lines that are farther apart or thinner denote gentler slopes. [ return to the top
Any series of lines used on a map to indicate the general direction and steepness of slopes. The lines are short, heavy, and close together for steep slopes; longer, lighter, and more widely spaced for gentle slopes.
Line symbol used to indicate land formations on maps.
A short line running in the direction of maximum slope to indicate in relation to other such lines by thickness and spacing, the relief of the land.