Geoscience Australia: Appendix U - Imagery Interpretation Guide

Updated: 1 December 2007

2.3.6 Canals Vs Contour Banks


Location of Example:	151°54'47" East, 27°47'37" South
Distinctive Characteristics:	Contour banks are earthen structures constructed at intervals across cultivated slopes. Contour banks intercept run-off and direct it into nearby Drainage or Waterbodies. Contour banks can be identified by the small embankments intercepting the fall of the land. Contour banks are not to be captured as Canals. Canals generally start at a water source and can end at a Reservoir, Dam or Sea. Contour banks differ from Canals as Canals transport water in an active manner (via pumping).
Regional Considerations:
Figure: 2.3.6.3 Representation of Contour Banks.

Figure: 2.3.6.3a Orthophotography 60cm RGB=123 Figure: 2.3.6.3b SPOT 2.5m RGB=123