Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
podcast
Filter by Categories
ArcGIS Pro
GDAL
GeoJson
Map
Map Tools
Maps
postgis
Python
QGIS
Uncategorized

Generating Contour Lines from a Digital Elevation Model Using ArcGIS Pro

Generating Contour Lines from a Digital Elevation Model Using ArcGIS Pro

Step 1: Understanding Contour Lines

Contour lines are essential in mapping as they connect points of equal elevation. They help visualize the terrain’s shape, indicating features like slopes, ridges, valleys, hills, and depressions. Understanding how to generate these lines from a digital elevation model (DEM) is crucial for various applications, including hiking, surveying, and land planning.

Step 2: Obtaining a Digital Elevation Model

To get started, you need a DEM. You can download one for free from the USGS Earth Explorer web portal. If you’re unfamiliar with the process of downloading a DEM, there are tutorials available that guide you through the steps.

Downloading a Digital Elevation Model from USGS Earth Explorer

Step 3: Loading the DEM in ArcGIS Pro

Once you have your DEM, it’s time to load it into ArcGIS Pro. Simply drag and drop the TIFF file into your ArcGIS workspace. This action will automatically zoom you to the correct location, allowing you to see the elevation variation from the lowest to the highest point.

Loading the DEM into ArcGIS Pro

Step 4: Selecting a Color Scheme

Before generating contours, it’s helpful to set a color scheme for your DEM. For example, using a gradient from dark blue for the lowest elevations to brown for the highest can enhance visual clarity.

Choosing a color scheme for the DEM

Step 5: Generating Contour Lines

To create contour lines, navigate to the ‘Analysis’ tab and select ‘Tools’ to open the geoprocessing toolbox. Here, search for the ‘Contour’ tool and select it.

Accessing the Contour tool in ArcGIS Pro

Step 6: Setting Input Parameters

In the Contour tool, you need to specify a few inputs:

  • Input Raster: Select your DEM.
  • Output Feature Class: You can keep the default name or change it.
  • Contour Interval: This is crucial. A contour interval of 50 or 100 meters is usually clearer than 1 meter, which could clutter the map.
  • Base Contour Value: Set this to zero.
  • Contour Type: Choose the first option for standard contours.

After setting these parameters, click ‘Run’ to generate the contour lines.

Setting parameters for contour generation

Step 7: Viewing the Contour Lines

Once the contours are generated, you can turn off the DEM layer to see the contour lines more clearly. Clicking on the contour lines allows you to explore their specific elevation values.

Viewing generated contour lines

Step 8: Adjusting Contour Density

If you want to increase the density of the contours, you can rerun the tool with a smaller contour interval, such as 30 meters. This will yield a more detailed contour map.

Adjusting contour density by changing interval

Step 9: Labeling Contours

To display contour values on the map, select the contour layer, go to ‘Labeling’, and choose the contour field. You can customize the font size and placement for better visibility.

Labeling contour lines for better understanding

Step 10: Exploring the Contour Values

By clicking on the contour lines, you can access detailed information about each line’s elevation. This feature enhances your understanding of the terrain’s topography.

Exploring contour values by clicking on the lines

Conclusion

Generating contour lines from a digital elevation model in ArcGIS Pro is a straightforward process that significantly aids in understanding topography. By following these steps, you can create clear and informative contour maps for various applications. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

About the Author
I'm Daniel O'Donohue, the voice and creator behind The MapScaping Podcast ( A podcast for the geospatial community ). With a professional background as a geospatial specialist, I've spent years harnessing the power of spatial to unravel the complexities of our world, one layer at a time.