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Mastering Contouring Techniques in Data Analysis

Learn how contouring transforms data into visual maps, identifies gradients & extremes, and helps in weather analysis. Understand isopleths, contour intervals, and key rules for effective contouring. Enhance your skills through practice examples.

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Mastering Contouring Techniques in Data Analysis

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  1. AOS 101 Data Analysis 302: Feb 5, 304: Feb 7

  2. Contouring • Transforms several observations into an easy to read picture • Can assess areas of sharp contrasts (gradients), maxima and minima. • Hand contouring allows some subjectivity that a computer would not provide. • Find isopleths: lines drawn through a map connecting points with the same numerical value (i.e. a contour)

  3. Examples • Topographic Map • By walking along contour never change elevation

  4. Isobar: line of constant surface pressure, help find high and low pressure systems

  5. Isotherm: line of constant temperature

  6. Isoheight: line of constant height • Isotach: line of constant wind speed, find jet stream

  7. Isohyet: line of constant precipitation accumulation

  8. Definitions • Contour interval: the numerical interval (spacing) at which isopleths are drawn on a map. • Contour interval = 4: draw lines of 1000, 1004, 1008 etc.

  9. Interpolate: constructing new data points from the observed data points (i.e. filling in spaces between data points).

  10. Interpolate: constructing new data points from the observed data points (i.e. filling in spaces between data points).

  11. Interpolate: constructing new data points from the observed data points (i.e. filling in spaces between data points).

  12. Gradient: the spatial rate of change of a given field (i.e. how close are the lines together) • Lines closely packed = steep gradient • For isotherms, closely packed lines (temperature gradients) = front.

  13. For isobars, closely packed lines = strong winds. • Also, winds blow nearly parallel to isobars • Counterclockwise around lows = cyclonic • Clockwise around highs = anticyclonic L

  14. Contouring “Rules” • Isopleths should never cross. • Isopleths should not branch or fork, or end/begin in the middle of the map. • Isopleths should be labeled at both ends, or in the middle if closed.

  15. Only the area of the map with data should be contoured. WRONG RIGHT

  16. HINTS • Use pencil, sketch then fill in with heavier line later if necessary. • Try to make pressure contours smooth, follow the winds. • Lines should be roughly parallel if no intervening data. • Practice: http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/wxwise/ contour/contour1.html

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