I would not consider it so much as "measuring" compared to tracking. These maps can be very useful to show present geographical features. If compared to a map of the same area 30 years ago , from field work, measurements and calculations the approximate rate of degradation of a particular area can be monitored .
The surface features of an area, such as cities or towns and land forms
Topographic maps represent the Earth's surface in detail, showing elevation changes, landforms, and features such as roads, rivers, and vegetation using contour lines and symbols. In contrast, orthophoto maps are aerial photographs that have been geometrically corrected to ensure uniform scale and accurate representation of features, often incorporating real-world coordinates. While topographic maps emphasize elevation and terrain, orthophoto maps provide a realistic visual representation of the landscape as seen from above.
Topographic maps represent the Earth's surface because they show elevation in addition to distance and direction.
Maps can be classified based on their purpose and content into several categories, including physical, political, thematic, and topographic maps. Physical maps emphasize natural features like mountains, rivers, and lakes, while political maps highlight boundaries, cities, and countries. Thematic maps focus on specific themes or data, such as climate, population density, or economic activities. Topographic maps provide detailed information about terrain relief and landforms, often using contour lines to represent elevation.
Topographic Maps
Topographic maps show elevation, relief, terrain features, and topographic details such as contour lines, streams, lakes, and vegetation.
A Topographic Map. :)
Bridges, buildings and railroads are three such features.
geologists use . topographic maps to see surface features
Topographic maps
Topographic maps display both natural and manmade features in a specific area. Topographic maps usually also feature various contour lines to help with segregating the map into blocks for easier identification of specific locations or features.
The surface features of an area, such as cities or towns and land forms
Two disadvantages of geodesy maps are limited detail in terms of topographic features compared to other specialized maps like topographic maps, and potential distortions in size and shape of features due to the projection used in creating the map.
Table C-2. Features on topographic maps
A topographical map.
Physical features
Businesses use topographic maps (maps showing the surface features of an area)to help decide where to build new stores, housing, or factories. also the government uses a topographic map to find out where to build new schools and other public buildings.