Which type of map provides detailed information about the earth's surface, including elevations?

A topographic map provides detailed information about the earth's surface, including elevations. These maps utilize contour lines to represent different elevation levels, allowing users to visualize the shape and steepness of the terrain. The contours indicate the height above sea level, enabling the identification of mountains, valleys, and other landforms.

In addition to elevation, topographic maps often include other features such as roads, trails, water bodies, and vegetation types, which give a comprehensive view of the area. This makes them particularly useful for activities such as hiking, land surveying, and planning construction, where an understanding of the landscape is crucial.

Physical maps focus on the general physical landscape features, such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, but do not provide the same level of detailed elevation information as topographic maps. Geological maps emphasize the types and distribution of rocks and geological features, while resource maps highlight locations of natural resources, such as minerals or water, without conveying detailed topographic information. Each of these maps serves a distinct purpose but lacks the specific focus on elevation and terrain detail provided by topographic maps.