Meteorology: Understanding the Atmosphere            Ackerman and Knox

GENERAL RULES OF CONTOURING:

The more contouring you do the better you will be at interpreting weather maps.  Typically you will contour on paper weather maps using a pencil.  A few guidelines to remember when contouring:
 
1) Prepare to contour

B. Eliminate what appears to be faulty, or incorrect, data

C. Locate regions of high and low values

D. Review data to determine isopleth spacing

2) Drawing the map

A. Use a pencil !!

B. Draw smooth lines

C. Interpolate between given values to correctly place an isopleth

D. Isopleths cannot touch or cross

E. Isopleths cannot branch or fork

F. Be neat and accurate

G. Label the isopleths

3) Review your map

A. Do a gross check of isopleths for accuracy

B. If necessary, trace over pencil with final marker (be neat)

C. Check for proper labeling

4) Your map is now ready for interpretation!