What is the purpose of a topographic map?

A topographic map primarily serves to depict elevation and terrain features, providing a detailed representation of the landscape's physical characteristics. This includes showing contour lines that represent different elevations, enabling users to understand the shape and slope of the land. Such maps are invaluable for outdoor activities like hiking, land surveying, and planning construction projects, as they convey critical information about both the vertical and horizontal positioning of terrain features.

While other types of maps may focus on aspects like transportation networks, political boundaries, or wildlife habitats, a topographic map is specifically tailored to capture the intricacies of the Earth’s surface elevation and relief. The ability to read and interpret these features helps users navigate and assess the geographical area accurately.