Joe Doman, Coos County Search and Rescue

   Most maps that SAR will encounter have the contour interval shown on the map's margins.

    But all is not lost if the contour interval is missing for one reason or another.

    Look on your map and find two labeled contour lines near each other.

    Note the difference in height between them. (Subtract one from the other).

    Say the difference is 200 feet. Now count the lines between the two labeled contour lines.

    Okay, say you have counted five lines.   Are you doing the math????

    Divide the 200' by the 5 lines and you get 40 feet.  That is the contour interval.

    Pretty simple, huh?  Just don't let any eagles bite you on the .........

For more info on contour labeling go to http://ccso.server101.com/iv-p5b_labeling.htm