American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What defines a topographical map?

1. A map showing political boundaries

2. A map that indicates elevation using contour lines

3. Aerial imagery representation of urban environments

4. A simplified version of geographical features

The correct answer is: A map that indicates elevation using contour lines

A topographical map is specifically designed to represent elevation and the three-dimensional characteristics of a landscape using contour lines. These lines connect points of equal elevation, allowing users to visualize terrain features such as hills, valleys, and slopes in a two-dimensional format. The spacing between the contour lines indicates the steepness of the terrain; closely spaced lines signify steep areas, while lines that are further apart indicate gentler slopes. In contrast, maps that show political boundaries focus on administrative divisions and do not convey topographical information. Aerial imagery provides photographic representations of land, capturing urban environments and landscapes from above, but it lacks the detailed delineation of elevation and terrain features found in topographical maps. Simplified maps of geographical features may prioritize general representation without the specifics of elevation or contour lines, thus failing to meet the criteria for a topographical map. Therefore, the defining characteristic of a topographical map is the manner in which it indicates elevation through contour lines.