Why would you use a topographic map?

Answer 1

As the real estate agents might say "location, location, location". Knowing where a place is relative to the surrounding hills and valleys is extraodinarily useful when planning a building or deciding on how to use a piece of land. Perhaps less now than in the past as often the first step of building is to bulldoze everything flat. The terrain is what makes certain places desireable but also adds complexity to plans. Consider building near a hillside; great view but what about landslides. A topographic map puts a location into it's context.

They are also useful when planning a walking route.

Answer 2

I would use a topographic maps, or several of thems, to construct the elevation profile of

the path between the radio antennas at two of my microwave sites, in order to determine

whether my antennas are too low, too high, or just right for reliable line-of-sight communication.

Answer 3

Topographic maps are used to show the shape and elevation of the land, making them useful for activities such as hiking, surveying, and environmental planning. They can help you navigate through various terrains, identify key features like mountains and valleys, and understand the slope of the land.