In cartography, specific symbols or techniques such as contour lines, spot heights, and layer tinting are used to represent elevation. These are collectively referred to as height symbols or elevation indicators, allowing map readers to visualize the three-dimensional topography of the landscape on a two-dimensional surface.

Topographical maps are specialized cartographic tools designed to show the detailed surface features of the Earth. They use contour lines to represent elevation and terrain relief, alongside symbols for natural features like rivers and forests, and man-made features like buildings and roads. These maps are essential for navigation, engineering, and land-use planning.

Contour lines are isolines used in cartography to represent topography. By connecting points of identical elevation, they allow map readers to visualize the three-dimensional shape of the terrain, including slopes, valleys, and peaks, on a two-dimensional surface.

Thematic maps are designed to show a particular theme or subject connected to a specific geographic area. Unlike general-purpose maps, they focus on the spatial distribution of specific data, such as climatic variables, population density, or economic resources, to provide analytical insights.

Maps are categorized based on their purpose and the information they convey. Thematic maps focus on specific themes like climate or population, resource/economic maps display distribution of goods or industries, and political maps show administrative boundaries. All these are standard classifications in cartography.

Maps depicting natural resources are a subset of thematic maps, which focus on specific themes. Because natural resources are fundamental to economic activity, these are frequently referred to as economic maps or resource maps. Therefore, both terms are commonly used in cartography to describe maps that highlight the spatial distribution of raw materials and commodities.

Physical maps are designed to show the natural landscape features of the Earth. These include terrain details like mountain ranges, valleys, plains, rivers, and lakes, typically using shading or color gradients to represent elevation and relief.

Road maps are a type of thematic map designed specifically to assist with navigation and travel. They focus on the transportation infrastructure of a region, including highways, secondary roads, and often rail lines. By highlighting these networks, road maps provide essential information for commuters and travelers to plan routes, identify connections between urban centers, and navigate through complex road systems efficiently.

Political maps are cartographic representations that focus on human-made boundaries, such as national or state borders, capitals, and major cities, rather than physical geographical features like topography or climate.

Thematic maps are designed to show a particular theme connected with a specific geographic area. Unlike general-purpose maps that show physical or political features, thematic maps focus on specific data such as climate, population density, or economic activity. A climatic map is a classic example of a thematic map as it visualizes spatial variations in temperature, precipitation, and other meteorological variables.