What Are Topographic Maps. Topographic maps usually show a geographic graticule and a coordinate grid, so you can determine relative and absolute positions of mapped features. They show the shape of the land the mountains, valleys, and plains by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level).

Topographic maps are created from aerial photographs and reveal the contours of the land, including hills, ridges, and valleys, as well as lakes, rivers, creeks, trails, and roads. All water bodies, where they contain water. They show the shape of the land the mountains, valleys, and plains by means of brown contour lines (lines of equal elevation above sea level).

Topographic maps are incredibly detailed maps which provide information about the physical features of the earth.

Technically, a topographic map includes both man made and natural features, essentially encapsulating all of the visible features in a region on paper. If you encounter a map where the contour lines are close together, that means that the relief is very steep (see map above). Contour lines that are sharply tapered indicate an uphill direction. Furthermore, these geographical features can be mountains, valleys, plain surfaces, water bodies and many more.