Altitude distribution

The distribution of elevation of an area is characterized by its hypsographic curve. This cumulative curve is also an indicator for the surface relief.

What can be read off the diagram?

• starting point (top left): shows highest point of the area
• end point (bottom right): shows lowest point of the area
• nearly horizontal curve section: refers to one or more plains at this altitude (read off the altitude at the left side!)
• almost vertical curve section: indicates steep slopes or terrain edges
• The church stands for the position of the principal settlement in the area.
• Percentual distribution of altitudes: Example: The curve intersects the 1000m line at 50%, i.e. half of the area lies lower than 1000m.

Please note that regions close together in the diagram, in reality can be far apart from each other.