Maps which represent the earth's surface in three dimensions and usually uses contours to indicate relief is termed as:

• A. Planimetric map
• B. Climatic map
• C. Topographic map
• D. Thematic map

Answer: (C)

The main concept tested is how maps convey elevation and terrain in three dimensions on a flat surface. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation, letting you read the shape of the land—peaks, valleys, ridges, and slopes—from the map. This use of elevation contours to depict relief is the defining feature of a topographic map, which is specifically designed to show how the terrain rises and falls.

Other map types focus on different information: planimetric maps display features in horizontal positions without elevation data, climatic maps show weather-related data, and thematic maps illustrate a particular theme or variable. None of these emphasize three-dimensional relief through contour lines in the way topographic maps do.