Question

Write a short note on the following:

Horizontal equivalent

Answer 1

Horizontal Equivalent is the horizontal distance between two successive contour lines, measured on the ground. It is not fixed, as it depends upon the nature of the slope:

• On steep slopes, contour lines are close to each other, hence the H.E. is small.
• On gentle slopes, contour lines are widely spaced, so the H.E. is large.

It is used along with the Vertical Interval to understand the gradient or slope of the land. Helps in determining the nature of the slope (steep or gentle). Used to calculate gradient when combined with Vertical Interval.