Topographic maps are a type of map that provides a detailed and quantitative representation of relief features, usually using contour lines, but historically using a variety of methods. They are characterized by the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earths surface. Topographic maps usually portray both natural and manmade features, such as mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, cities, towns, and villages, and roads, railroads, canals, dams, bridges, tunnels, parks, and other features. They are based on topographical surveys, which show a variety of elevations and landforms, and are distinguished from smaller-scale "chorographic maps" that cover large regions, "planimetric maps" that do not show elevations, and "thematic maps" that focus on specific topics.

Contour lines are imaginary lines that connect points of equal elevation on the Earths surface, and they are used to illustrate the shape and elevation of surface features. The vertical difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines is called the contour interval, and contour lines on topographic maps communicate details about the actual land surface through their shape and spacing. Topographic maps are useful for a variety of purposes, including geographic planning, large-scale architecture, earth sciences, mining, civil engineering, and recreational uses such as hiking and orienteering. They provide a means of displaying three-dimensional information on a two-dimensional sheet of paper, and they are a useful tool for locating possible new sites, planning fossil-hunting expeditions, and accurately documenting the location of known fossil sites.