What color or colors typically represent contour lines on a map?

Contour lines on a map are used to represent elevation and the shape of the terrain. The colors that typically signify these lines are brown and reddish brown. This choice highlights the most accurate and standard use of color in topographic mapping.

Brown is often the primary color used because it clearly distinguishes the elevation lines against the background of a map and is easily distinguishable from other symbols and features. Reddish brown may also be used in certain contexts to add contrast and improve visibility, especially in printed materials or various types of digital maps.

Using both these colors helps in making the contour lines more readable and intuitive to understand at a glance, assisting users in interpreting the terrain features effectively. Other color choices, while possibly used in different contexts or types of maps, do not align with standard practices for depicting contour lines indicating elevation.