Topographic maps are detailed, accurate graphic representations of features that appear on the Earth's surface. These features include:

• cultural: roads, buildings, urban development, railways, airports, names of places and geographic features, administrative boundaries, state and international borders, reserves
• hydrography: lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, coastal flats
• relief: mountains, valleys, contours and cliffs, depressions
• vegetation: wooded and cleared areas, vineyards and orchards.