"In modern mapping, a topographic map or topographic sheet is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features, usually using contour lines..."
Maps that depict the physical features of terrain.
Topographic maps: Topographic maps are detailed maps that display the shape and elevation of the earth's surface through the use of contour lines.
Relief mapping techniques: Relief mapping techniques are methods used to represent elevation and relief in a cartographic map.
Digital cartography: Digital cartography refers to the use of computer technology to create, analyze, and store geographic data for maps.
Geographic information systems (GIS): GIS technology is used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, and present geographic data.
Remote sensing: Remote sensing uses satellite or aerial imagery to gather data about the earth's surface.
Map projections: Map projections are methods used to represent a three-dimensional globe on a two-dimensional map.
Scale and resolution: Scale refers to the relationship between distances on a map and the corresponding distances on the ground, while resolution refers to the level of detail displayed on the map.
Color theory and design principles: Color theory and design principles are important considerations when creating relief maps to ensure that they are visually appealing and easily readable.
Relief shading: Relief shading is a technique used to create the illusion of elevation and relief on a map through the use of shadows and highlights.
Cartographic symbols and labels: Cartographic symbols and labels are used to represent geographic features and provide information on the map.
Cartographic generalization: Cartographic generalization involves simplifying or reducing the detail in a map to make it more readable and understandable.
Map production and printing: Map production and printing involves the process of creating and printing high-quality maps for distribution and use.
Map reading and interpretation: Map reading and interpretation involves the ability to analyze and understand the data presented on a relief map.
Physical Relief Map: A physical relief map shows the geographical features of a region in 3D form, including mountains, hills, valleys, and water bodies.
Hachured Map: This type of map shows elevations in the form of hachure lines, commonly used in topographic maps.
Contour Map: A contour map represents the variation of elevations of a region through continuous contour lines. These lines connect points of equal elevation.
Shaded Relief Map: A shaded relief map combines colors and shadows to create an effect of 3D terrain. The dark areas mimic shadows that result from mountains and hills, while lighter areas mimic the surfaces exposed to light.
Raised Relief Map: Raised relief maps show physical 3D structure, elevations, and landforms of an area. The surface of the map may contain miniaturized natural details of a region.
Bathymetric Relief Map: This type of map displays the topography and features of the seabed or lakebeds, such as ridges, canyons, and fault lines.
Isoline Map: An isoline map creates contour lines of equal values of various physical data, such as temperature, weather patterns, or pressure.
Density Map: A density map, also known as a “heat map,” depicts the spatial distribution and intensity of data gathered over a region.
Thematic Relief Map: This type of map shows a single theme or topic, such as population demographics or forest cover, as it relates to the topography of the region.
Geologic Relief Map: A geologic relief map show the different rock formations in an area, including the ages, types, and geographic relationships between the various formations.
"These maps depict in detail ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other man-made features."
"...but historically using a variety of methods."
"usually using contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation)..."
"Traditional definitions require a topographic map to show both natural and artificial features."
"A topographic survey is typically based upon a systematic observation and published as a map series, made up of two or more map sheets that combine to form the whole map."
"A topographic map series uses a common specification that includes the range of cartographic symbols employed, as well as a standard geodetic framework that defines the map projection, coordinate system, ellipsoid and geodetic datum."
"Official topographic maps also adopt a national grid referencing system."
"They are distinguished from smaller-scale 'chorographic maps' that cover large regions..."
"They are distinguished from... 'planimetric maps' that do not show elevations..."
"They are distinguished from... 'thematic maps' that focus on specific topics."
"...the representation of relief (contours) is popularly held to define the genre, such that even small-scale maps showing relief are commonly (and erroneously, in the technical sense) called 'topographic'."
"The study or discipline of topography is a much broader field of study, which takes into account all natural and man-made features of terrain."
"Maps were among the first artifacts to record observations about topography."
"These maps depict in detail ground relief (landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, populated areas, transportation routes and facilities (including roads and railways), and other man-made features."
"Natural Resources Canada provides this description of topographic maps:..."
"...large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief features..."
"A topographic survey is typically based upon a systematic observation..."
"...made up of two or more map sheets that combine to form the whole map."
"...relief (contours) is popularly held to define the genre..."