Relief in geography refers to the variations in the elevation of the ground surface, also features of height above a plain or reference datum. It is the term used for the differences in height from place to place on the lands surface and is greatly affected by the underlying geology. Relief is depicted by hachures or shading, or more accurately, by contours or by spot elevations or both on a relief map. A relief map is a sample model in which the altitudes and the depressions of hills, mountains, and valleys are represented on a given relative scale.

Relief makes the distinction between flatter areas of land and steep areas with high elevations such as hills and mountains. It basically details the height and steepness of an area. Relief relies on the hardness, permeability, and structure of a rock. Some rocks are hard and resistant to weathering and erosion, while others are softer and easily worn away. Where a hard rock like sandstone sits next to a soft rock such as clay, the first will form the uplands and the second will form the lowlands.

In summary, relief in geography refers to the differences in height from place to place on the lands surface, and it is greatly affected by the underlying geology. Relief is depicted on a relief map by hachures or shading, or more accurately, by contours or by spot elevations or both. It makes the distinction between flatter areas of land and steep areas with high elevations such as hills and mountains. Relief relies on the hardness, permeability, and structure of a rock.