A map may indicate the topography of land, detailing the location and spacial relationships of the map features and details: distances, coordinates, shapes and anything else to do with location. Topographic maps are flat. If a map also reflects relief, the map will show the degree of elevation or depression of features in relation to the horizontal plain of the land.
A topography map can be created for any kind of land surface, whether on earth or underwater (i.e. ocean floor topography and relief), the surface of the moon or planets other than earth. Relief will be relative to size and scale of the map, showing the height in relation to the lowest and highest points of the shown surface.
Relief is a part of topography. Relief maps are sometimes referred to as “contour maps” though contour maps are only one type of relief map. All are depictions of surfaces.
Topography and relief are often grouped together when discussing land features. For example, a county or city website may discuss the topography and relief of land within corporate limits. This information may be used by builders, engineers or land developers when considering construction or land use.
Land topography may change, affecting emergency, flood and disaster planning. Emergency services must keep current topographic maps on hand to accurately reflect road, river and other land plain conditions. Relief is directly affected in relation to topographic conditions.
