Earth scientists use topographic maps for many things: Describing and locating surface features, especially geologic features. Determining the slope of the Earth's surface. Determining the direction of flow for surface water, ground water, and mudslides.

Who uses topographic maps?

Who uses topography maps? Hikers, campers, snow skiers, city and county planners, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, miners, loggers, highway planners and construction workers, travelers, surveyors, geologists, engineers, and scientists are just a few of the people who use topographic maps.

What kind of maps do scientists use?

Earth scientists regularly use topographic, bathymetric, and geologic maps. Topographic maps reveal the shape of a landscape. Elevations indicate height above sea level. Bathymetric maps are like topographic maps of features found below the water.