The topographic map of Europe is a very important tool in understanding the geography of a region, and with the variety of landscapes, historical values, and complicated borders that this continent bears within, this is indeed a very good subject for such maps. Maps outline comprehensive information about the elevation, terrain, and other natural features, such as mountains, rivers, valleys, and plains.
The following article is about the topographic map of Europe, its features, its importance, and the role it plays in many different applications ranging from navigation to scientific research.
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What are Topographic Maps?
A topographic map is an extensively accurate illustration of the Earth’s surface, showing all of its natural features and some human-made ones. Unlike political and thematic maps, topographic maps focus more on the ground topography, particularly the elevational changes. Shape of land by contour lines. In this method of representation, different points at similar elevations have connecting lines with each other in order to reflect the overall contour of landform, for instance, mountains, hills, valleys, plateaus, or the flat plains.
The topographic map of Europe is characterized by a striking contrast between its rugged southern mountains and the expansive plains of the north.
Besides roads, buildings, rivers, lakes, and vegetation are a few other things which appear on a topographic map. These are very crucial for hikers, geologists, engineers, urban planners, and many more people who need extremely accurate information related to geography.
Geography of Europe
Europe’s geography varies from one region to another; each region gives a different terrain. The mountain ranges are at their highest level, plains and forests are also vast, while the river system is extensive. Key topographic features of Europe are:
Europe is the second-smallest continent on Earth, however, it maintains a strong cultural influence all over the world due to the European colonial empires of the past. The topographic map of Europe identifies the continent’s major geographical features.
1. The Alps
One of Europe’s most celebrated mountain ranges, the Alps stretch over areas in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. They are depicted by very closely packed contour lines in a topographic map, signifying steep and rocky land. The peak of Mont Blanc is the highest, at 4,808 meters or 15,774 feet above sea level.
