In the given diagram, ovals are marked at different heights (h) of a hill. Which one of the following options P, Q, R, and S depicts the top view of the hill?
A. P B. Q C. R D. S
GATE 2023 · General Aptitude · Curves · medium
Answer: Option Q correctly depicts the top view of the hill
Understand the side view: The side view shows ovals at increasing heights. The outermost (widest) oval is at the lowest height (near base); successively smaller ovals are at greater heights. The summit is where the smallest oval converges.
Translate to top view: Looking down from above, each horizontal slice (oval) appears as a closed curve. The result is a set of concentric closed curves (contours) with the smallest innermost (highest point) and largest outermost (lowest contour at base).
Identify the correct option: Option Q shows properly nested, concentric oval contours with correct hierarchy (innermost = summit). Options P, R, S have incorrect contour arrangements (e.g., non-nested, asymmetric, or wrong orientation relative to the given side profile).