Topographic mapping Topography

a map of europe using elevation modeling

in contemporary definition, topographic mapping shows relief. in united states, usgs topographic maps show relief using contour lines. usgs calls maps based on topographic surveys, without contours, planimetric maps.

these maps show not contours, significant streams or other bodies of water, forest cover, built-up areas or individual buildings (depending on scale), , other features , points of interest.

while not officially topographic maps, national surveys of other nations share many of same features, , called topographic maps.

existing topographic survey maps, because of comprehensive , encyclopedic coverage, form basis derived topographic work. digital elevation models, example, have been created not new remote sensing data existing paper topographic maps. many government , private publishers use artwork (especially contour lines) existing topographic map sheets basis own specialized or updated topographic maps.

topographic mapping should not confused geologic mapping. latter concerned underlying structures , processes surface, rather identifiable surface features.