topographic map
Elevation-showing terrain chart
A topographic map represents terrain features and elevation changes, using contour lines to show hills, valleys, and slopes.
Unlike standard maps that show only locations and boundaries, topographic maps reveal the shape of the land: The hikers studied the topographic map to find the easiest route up the mountain.
They're essential tools for outdoor navigation, geology, and land-use planning.
Curve linking equal elevations
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- gridFramework of intersecting lines
- projectionSomething that extends outward
datum · surveying · geospatial · GIS · symbol · atlas · geodetic · thematic
Narrow raised strip
- valleyLow ground between heights
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
- plateauFlat highland area
- mesaFlat-topped steep-sided elevation
butte · escarpment · basin · knoll · hillock · saddle · col · spur
Measured height above reference
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- peakUtmost height attained
- reliefEasing of distress
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
gradient · aspect · sea level · acclivity · declivity · heights · foothills · prominence
Competitive terrain navigation sport
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- bearingPosture or orientation
- waypointNavigation reference location
- trailheadHiking path entrance
route · GPS · pathfinding · landmark · trekking · hiking · expedition · guidebook
Solid stone underground
- strataParallel geological layers
- faultImperfection or blame
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
igneous · metamorphic · tectonics · geologist · formation · stratigraphy · unconformity · fold
contour line
Curve linking equal elevations
projection · datum · surveying · geospatial · GIS · symbol · atlas · geodetic · thematic · isoline
ridge
Narrow raised strip
mesa · butte · escarpment · basin · knoll · hillock · saddle · col · spur · gully
altitude
Measured height above reference
slope · gradient · aspect · sea level · acclivity · declivity · heights · foothills · prominence
orienteering
Competitive terrain navigation sport
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- bearingPosture or orientation
- waypointNavigation reference location
trailhead · route · GPS · pathfinding · landmark · trekking · hiking · expedition · guidebook · UTM
bedrock
Solid stone underground
sedimentary · igneous · metamorphic · tectonics · geologist · formation · stratigraphy · unconformity · fold · anticline
- mapsroad map, world map, atlases, street map, regional map
- Geography Resourcesmap, maps, atlas, atlases, globe
- map featurescompass, compass rose, legend, scale, scale bar
- Map Termslatitude, longitude, equator, meridian, prime meridian
- maps and globesglobe, world map, celestial globe, terrestrial globe, star map
- navigationcompass, compass rose, signs, charts, navbar
topographic maproad map
Route-planning guide
road atlas · political map · street map · transit map · highway map
mapped, topography, cartographer, cartography, topographic, cartographic, topographical, mapper, topographically