1) Construct either an A-frame or a water level. 

The A-frame is by far the easier tool to construct. The water level is more useful for measuring through thick vegetation and more than a few feet at a time. Watch the following video to learn how:

• • How to build and use an A-frame level (~3 minutes)

 

• • Learn how to Make a Bunyip Water Level with Brad Lancaster (~11 minutes) 

There are, of course, many other videos out there if you want to search. ^{1  2}

2) Mark a contour line on your design site.

After you have completed your tool, head outside and find a site for a potential swale or path. With flags or stakes mark a contour using the tool you created. Take pictures to share.

3) Complete your assignment by submitting answers to the following questions. Then please share a copy via this week's Participant Forum: Contour Mapping.

Snap a picture of your work along with a commentary that briefly answers the following questions:

• • What was your experience building the device you chose?
  • Where and why did you cite your contour line?
  • How easy or hard did you find mapping contour? Was the line where you thought it would be?
  • What potential do you envision for using this technology?