Source- http://www.geomart.com/images/raisedrelief/co.jpg
This is a topographic map of the State of Colorado. Topographic maps are very unique they show the rise in terrain and elevations of specific places. It is a large-scale map that shows both man made and natural landmarks. For example, here is a map of Colorado, the Rocky Mountains are extremely elevated compared to the rest of the land because they are about 14,000 feet above sea level. Each of these maps would usually have some sort of scale at the bottom to depict the terrain and how much it is above sea level.
So we use topographic maps when we are traveling though the state such as backpacking up mountains. If these kinds of maps didn't exist nobody would have any idea of how much different elevations each side of the state really is.
