Which of the following is an example of a topographic map?

• A. The map showing population density
• B. A map that shows only political borders
• C. The map showing where rivers, mountains and lakes are located
• D. A map of climate zones

Answer: (C)

Topographic maps emphasize the shape of the land and physical features like elevations, mountains, rivers, and lakes. The map showing where rivers, mountains, and lakes are located fits this focus, because it highlights natural landforms and how they appear across the terrain. The other options depict different kinds of information—population patterns, political boundaries, or climate zones—that aren’t about the terrain itself, so they aren’t topographic maps.