Term used by commercial map publishers for maps with altitude tints, contrasted with political maps.

• A. Physical Maps and Globes
• B. Thematic Maps
• C. Political Maps
• D. Topographic Maps

Answer: (A)

Altitude tints are used to show natural relief and elevation across landforms, which is the hallmark of maps that emphasize physical features rather than human-made boundaries. Commercial map publishers categorize these as physical maps (often grouped with globes as the physical-product family) to distinguish them from political maps that focus on borders and human geography. While topographic maps also depict terrain, they do so primarily with contour lines and detailed elevation data, whereas the tinted relief style is a defining feature of physical maps. The other options don’t fit because thematic maps spotlight a single theme, political maps highlight boundaries, and topographic maps are a specific terrain-focused form rather than the general physical-map category.