In an indirect method of contouring, the best method of interpolation...
Indirect Method of Contouring
Indirect methods are quicker, cheaper and less laborious than the direct method.
In this method, a series of guide points are selected along with a system of straight lines and their elevations are determined.
These points are then plotted, and contours are drawn by interpolation.
Three methods used for interpolation are as follows:
i) By Estimation
This is a rough method and is used on a small-scale map.
ii) By Arithmetic Calculations
This is a very accurate method but a tedious one. The position of contours points between guide points is located by arithmetic calculations.
iii) By Graphical Method
This is a rapid and convenient method and gives higher accuracy than the estimation method. However, it involves a lot of interpolation work.
Note:
Arithmetical Calculation is considered more accurate than a graphical method, as the graphical method assumes only linear variation between the two guide points.