A graphic representation connects points of equal value, depicting a continuous distribution. These lines, when displayed on a map, illustrate spatial variations in a specific phenomenon. For instance, a map showing temperature variations might use these lines, each representing a specific temperature, to visualize temperature gradients across a region. The closer the lines are to each other, the steeper the gradient or change in value across the area.
The significance of such maps lies in their ability to simplify complex data into easily interpretable visual information. They are used across diverse fields, including meteorology (weather patterns), geology (elevation and geological formations), and oceanography (salinity and ocean currents). Historically, they have played a crucial role in scientific analysis and informed decision-making by revealing spatial patterns and trends that might otherwise remain obscured in raw data.
