Hachures are lines used in cartography to indicate the slope and elevation of mountains and hills. While hachures are the most commonly used term, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe this type of terrain representation. Slopelines, contour lines, elevation lines, and hill shading are all acceptable alternatives to hachures. Some cartographers may also use hatch marks, short lines, or crosshatching to depict changes in elevation. Regardless of the terminology used, hachures and their synonyms serve a critical role in accurately representing topography on maps and visual aids. Without them, it would be difficult to navigate or understand the natural features of a landscape.