ridgelines
Peaks' connecting edges
Ridgelines are the crests where two slopes meet at a mountain's or hill's top, forming the highest continuous edge of terrain.
Hikers follow ridgelines for views; military strategists value them for observation and defense.
In architecture and roofing, a ridgeline is where two roof planes meet at the peak: The ridgeline of the cabin ran east to west.
Highest elevations or conferences
- peaksHighest points attained
- crestsHighest points reached
- mountain rangesExtended series of peaks
- elevationHeight above reference point
contours · silhouettes · horizons · skyline · saddles · cols · spines · watersheds
Marked outdoor paths
- traversesPasses across entirely
- scramblesMixes into disorder
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
windswept · cairns · switchbacks · viewpoints · knife-edge · arete · scrambling · false summits
Elevation-depicting terrain representations
- contour linesLines joining equal elevations
- reliefEasing of distress
- gradientRate of change across space
- surveySystematic data collection
GIS · mapping · geodesy · prominence · terrain analysis · bathymetry · scale · legend
Upper contours of structures
- gablesTriangular upper wall sections
- peaksHighest points attained
- dormersWindowed structures in slopes
- pitched roofsAngled building tops
eaves · shingles · slate · thatch · hip roofs · rafters · ventilation · flashing
Elevated terrain offering advantage
- observation postsStations for monitoring surroundings
- defensive linesProtective military formations
- overlookMiss or commanding view
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
ambush · cover · concealment · fortification · vantage points · reconnaissance
summits
Highest elevations or conferences
- peaksHighest points attained
- crestsHighest points reached
- mountain rangesExtended series of peaks
elevation · contours · silhouettes · horizons · skyline · saddles · cols · spines · watersheds · divides
trails
Marked outdoor paths
- traversesPasses across entirely
- scramblesMixes into disorder
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
trekking · windswept · cairns · switchbacks · viewpoints · knife-edge · arete · scrambling · false summits · approach
topographic maps
Elevation-depicting terrain representations
- contour linesLines joining equal elevations
- reliefEasing of distress
- gradientRate of change across space
survey · GIS · mapping · geodesy · prominence · terrain analysis · bathymetry · scale · legend
rooflines
Upper contours of structures
- gablesTriangular upper wall sections
- peaksHighest points attained
- dormersWindowed structures in slopes
pitched roofs · eaves · shingles · slate · thatch · hip roofs · rafters · ventilation · flashing · cupolas
high ground
Elevated terrain offering advantage
- observation postsStations for monitoring surroundings
- defensive linesProtective military formations
- overlookMiss or commanding view
surveillance · ambush · cover · concealment · fortification · vantage points · reconnaissance
- mountainsmountain, peaks, peak, summit, summits
- landformsmountain, cliff, valley, volcano, hill
- AlpsAlps, Swiss Alps, Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Austrian Alps
- mountain featurespeaks, peak, summit, slopes, crest
- mountain termsAlps, Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, peaks
- RockiesRocky Mountain National Park, Continental Divide, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming
ridgelinesdrainages
Water outflow systems
streambeds · riverbeds · creek beds · watercourses · channels