CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Interpolation is a crucial technique in the creation of topographic maps, primarily used to determine intermediate contour lines between known elevations. When surveyors collect data, they often measure spot elevations at specific points across the terrain. These known points serve as anchors for establishing elevation changes in the surrounding areas.

By using interpolation, surveyors can estimate the elevations at locations between the measured points, allowing them to create smooth and continuous contour lines that represent the terrain's topography accurately. This process helps visualize the landscape and its features, providing essential information for various applications, including land use planning, engineering, and environmental management.

While connecting spot elevations is part of the overall mapping process, interpolation specifically focuses on filling in gaps between those known elevations to create a more detailed and accurate representation of the land's shape and form.