What type of map displays the shape of the ground surface, including elevation and surface features?

A topographic map is specifically designed to illustrate the shape of the terrain's surface. It accomplishes this by using contour lines, which connect points of equal elevation, thereby providing a three-dimensional perspective of the landscape on a two-dimensional surface. This allows users to visualize the differences in elevation, such as hills, valleys, and mountains, as well as to identify various surface features like rivers, lakes, and forests.

Topographic maps are essential for outdoor activities such as hiking, land surveying, and environmental studies because they convey critical information about the physical landscape. In contrast, a political map focuses on boundaries and locations of states or countries, a geological map highlights the distribution of rock types and geological features, and a road map emphasizes transportation networks. Understanding the purpose and characteristics of different types of maps is crucial for selecting the right map for a given task.