What is a Topographic Map?

The International Cartographic Association defines Topographic Maps as the following:
"Topographic maps are maps at large and medium scales which incorporate a huge variety of information. The basic coverage (a country’s largest map series) is based on measurements made in the field and/or from aerial photographs. Derived topographical maps (of medium and small scales ) are prepared by reduction and generalisation from the original basic maps.
All components of a topographic map at a specified scale are of equal importance: water, terrain, communication, built-up areas, vegetation, etc., as well as the lettering of place-names and geographical and cultural features." (Anson et al. 1984, p. 17)
(Anson et al. 1984, p. 17)

To simplify matters, we can say that a topographic map is a graphic representation of the three dimensional configuration of the earth’s surface. It shows size, shape and distribution of landscape features, and presents the horizontal and vertical positions of those represented features.

Features on topographic maps can be divided into three major groups:

remark

Remark: Topographic maps are distinguished from planimetric maps by the addition of relief in measurable form.

Topographic Map Examples.

Find below some extracts of topographic maps from different countries.
Observe the difference in colour, typography, detail, etc.

 Topographic Map of Germany, DTK200-V © Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie 2005 Topographic Map of Germany, DTK200-V © Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie 2005
Topographic Map of Germany:
  • Scale: 1:200 000
  • Year: 1968
  • Contour Interval: 50 m
  • Place: Mannheim
  • Designer: Bundesamt für Karto-graphie und Geodäsie
 Topographic Map of Russia Topographic Map of Russia
Topographic Map of Russia:
  • Scale: 1:200 000
  • Year: 1991
  • Contour Interval: 20 m
  • Place: TBEPb
 Topographic Map of Greece Topographic Map of Greece
Topographic Map of Greece:
  • Scale: 1:50 000
  • Year: 1989,
  • Contour Interval: 20 m
  • Place: Kimolos
  • Designer: Hellenic Military Geo-graphical Service
 Topographic Map of Spain, Map of the National Geographic Institute of Spain Topographic Map of Spain, Map of the National Geographic Institute of Spain
Topographic Map of Spain:
  • Scale: 1:50 000
  • Year: 1965
  • Contour Interval: 20 m
  • Place: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  • Designer: Instituto Geográfico Nacinal
 Topographic Map of Switzerland, reproduces with the permission of swisstopo (BA057224) Topographic Map of Switzerland, reproduces with the permission of swisstopo (BA057224)
Topographic Map of Switzerland: