Fieldwalker generates contour lines from elevation data automatically for any georeferenced map. This guide covers how contour generation works, what the elevation sources mean, and how to get higher-resolution data when you need it.
Generate contours
Open the Contours tab. Choose a contour interval — the spacing between contour lines.
- For most sites, 1 metre is a good starting point.
- For small suburban blocks where subtle grade changes matter, try 0.5 metres.
- For broadacre overview, 5 or 10 metres.
Click Generate Contours. The tool retrieves elevation data for your site and generates contour lines. This takes 10–30 seconds for larger areas. When complete, a summary shows the interval, line count, elevation data source, and resolution.
The contour lines appear on your map as a toggleable layer. You can adjust their colour, opacity, and weight in the Contours tab. If you want a different interval, change it and click Regenerate.
Generating contours
Open the Contours tab in the editor. Your map must be georeferenced first.
Choosing an interval
The contour interval is the vertical distance between lines. 0.5m for small sites where subtle grade matters, 1m for most designs, 2m for medium properties, 5m for broadacre overview, 10m or 30m for large-scale context. A smart default is pre-selected based on your image resolution.
Generating
Click Generate Contours. Expect 10–30 seconds for larger areas. The summary card shows: interval, line count, elevation data source, resolution, and whether the result was cached. To change interval, select a different one and click Regenerate Contours.
Understanding elevation data sources
When you generate contours, Fieldwalker retrieves the best available elevation data for your location automatically. The summary card tells you what source is driving your contours and what resolution you're working with.
High resolution (50cm – 5m): Contour lines accurately reflect the ground shape at a scale useful for earthworks design. Available in regions with government LiDAR surveys — much of Australia has 5m coverage, with some areas at sub-metre resolution.
Low resolution (~30m): Shows the broad terrain shape but smooths over detail. Useful for landscape overview, not detailed enough for earthworks on smaller sites. A warning appears when you choose an interval finer than the data supports.
About elevation data accuracy: Fieldwalker tells you what elevation source it's using and what resolution you're working with.
High-resolution data (50cm or better) produces contours accurate enough for earthworks design.
Coarser data (30m - default for most locations) shows the broad terrain shape but shouldn't be relied on for precise swale or dam placement. The tool warns you when the chosen interval is finer than the data supports.
The Elevation Data panel
Below the contour controls, the panel shows all available elevation sources for your site.
Auto: Elevation data retrieved automatically. Available for every georeferenced map.
Sourced LiDAR: High-resolution data sourced specifically for your site (see below).
Custom DEM: Elevation data you've uploaded yourself.
When multiple sources are available, switching sources regenerates contours from the new data. A "New data available" notification appears when sourced data has been fulfilled.
Getting higher-resolution data
Request sourced data (Premium): Submit a request from the Elevation Data panel. Fieldwalker will source the best available data for your location. You'll receive an email when ready. This is a Premium feature — but any high-resolution LiDAR already provisioned on a map keeps working on the Free plan, including its contours.
Upload your own data (Premium): If you have a surveyor's DEM, drone output, or any GeoTIFF elevation file, upload it directly as a Custom DEM source. This is a Premium feature.
Drone survey (Victoria): For properties in Victoria, Fieldwalker offers a drone survey service at centimetric resolution. Contact support to arrange.
Contour appearance
Adjust colour, opacity, and weight in the Contours tab. Contours are a display layer — they sit behind design elements and can be toggled on/off from the Layers panel without regenerating.
Using contours in your design
Contour lines inform swale placement (along contours to intercept water), dam siting (where contours converge), access routes (following contours for consistent grade), zone layout (flat vs sloped areas), and building placement (stable, well-drained ground). Choose the interval that matches your design decisions — 0.5m for swale placement on a small site, 2–5m for broad zone planning.