Which type of map uses contour lines to show elevation?

• A. Political map
• B. Topographical map
• C. Thematic map
• D. Road map

Answer: (B)

Contour lines convey how high the land rises and how the terrain changes, and the map that uses these lines to depict elevation and relief is a topographical map. Each contour line joins points that are the same height above sea level, so you can read the shape of hills, valleys, and ridges directly from the lines. The spacing between lines tells you how steep the terrain is: tightly packed lines mean a steep slope, while widely spaced lines indicate a gentler slope. This type of map also shows landforms with recognizable patterns of loops and concentric shapes around peaks or depressions. Other map types focus on different information—political maps show borders and places, thematic maps display specific data like population, and road maps emphasize routes—so they don’t use contour lines to represent elevation.