Hypothetically, you are supposed to be able to track contour lines. I personally can't tell you exactly if this works worth a darn yet or not. If you haven't already, youtube search this trolling motor. A lot of guys have done reviews on it regarding the spot lock, heading lock, etc etc. A lot of really good info on youtube about it! As soon as I get mine fixed I will spend a day on the lake testing some of the stuff you inquired about and let you know on it, assuming you haven't already purchased one by then.