Topographic map

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the anatomy concept, see Topographic map (neuroanatomy).
For a broader coverage related to this topic, see Terrain cartography.

A topographic map with contour lines

Part of the same map in a perspective shaded relief view illustrating how the
contour lines follow the terrain

Section of topographical map of Nablus area (West Bank) with contour lines at
100-meter intervals. Heights are colour-coded
In modern mapping, a topographic map is a type of map characterized by
large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using
contour lines, but historically using a variety of methods. Traditional definitions
require a topographic map to show both natural and man-made features. A
topographic map is typically published as a map series, made up of two or
more map sheets that combine to form the whole map. A contour line is a line
connecting places of equal elevation.

The Canadian Centre for Topographic Information provides this definition:[1]

A topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural
and natural features on the ground.
Other authors define topographic maps by contrasting them with another type
of map; they are distinguished from smaller-scale "chorographic maps" that
cover large regions,[2][3] "planimetric maps" that do not show elevations,[4]
and "thematic maps" that focus on specific topics.[5]

However, in the vernacular and day to day world, 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".[3]

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.
Topographic map

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the anatomy concept, see Topographic map (neuroanatomy).
For a broader coverage related to this topic, see Terrain cartography.

A topographic map with contour lines

Part of the same map in a perspective shaded relief view illustrating how the
contour lines follow the terrain
Section of topographical map of Nablus area (West Bank) with contour lines at
100-meter intervals. Heights are colour-coded
In modern mapping, a topographic map is a type of map characterized by
large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using
contour lines, but historically using a variety of methods. Traditional definitions
require a topographic map to show both natural and man-made features. A
topographic map is typically published as a map series, made up of two or
more map sheets that combine to form the whole map. A contour line is a line
connecting places of equal elevation.

The Canadian Centre for Topographic Information provides this definition:[1]

A topographic map is a detailed and accurate graphic representation of cultural

and natural features on the ground.

Other authors define topographic maps by contrasting them with another type
of map; they are distinguished from smaller-scale "chorographic maps" that
cover large regions,[2][3] "planimetric maps" that do not show elevations,[4]
and "thematic maps" that focus on specific topics.[5]
However, in the vernacular and day to day world, 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".[3]

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.