A planimetric map does not attempt to portray heights or differences in elevation. It is only a representation of the earth's surface in

• A. Three dimensions
• B. Two horizontal dimensions
• C. Contours
• D. Elevation model

Answer: (B)

A planimetric map is a top-down representation of the Earth's surface that includes only the two horizontal dimensions, like a view from above. It shows where features are located in terms of east-west and north-south positions, but it does not convey height or elevation. Elevation is left out by design, which is why you won’t see height cues like contours or shading on this type of map.

Three dimensions would require adding a vertical component, which planimetric maps omit. Contours represent elevation changes and are used on maps that depict relief, not on planimetric ones. An elevation model provides a 3D representation of terrain, again going beyond planimetric scope. So the map’s essence is positioning in two horizontal dimensions.