Relief map
Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Introduction to Maps"; Class 11, Ch 5 "Topographical Maps"
Meaning
A relief map is a physical map that shows the general topography of an area. Topography means the shape and height of the land. It shows mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus and drainage (the pattern of rivers). It usually does this with contours (lines joining places of equal height), layer tints (different colours for different heights) or shading. It helps us see at a glance where the land is high, low, flat or steep.
Example
A relief map of India uses layer tints. Brown shows the high Himalaya in the north, lighter shades show the Deccan Plateau in the south, and green shows the low, flat Indo-Gangetic plains between them.
Don't confuse with
- Geological map: shows the rock types and structures under the surface, not the height and shape of the land.