wiki Word:

topographic map

Definition:

a map showing elevation of features in a certain area

Facts:

• topographic maps show features both above and below sea level
• often uses color codes to label land
• topographic maps can be used to map the ocean floor
• radar (radio detecting and ranging) creates a form of topographic map to scan the ocean floor 
• some topographic maps us lines of longitude and latitude to locate features on the map

Images:  

                  Topographic Map of the World

                                 Topographic Map of Florida

So What???

Topographic maps are important to mankind because they help show us where certain natural features are in the world. Topographic maps are easy to read because of the key and therefore, are the easiest way to find natural featues. They are used often in science to map out cities, countries, and even the entire world. Topographic maps are used to map the features of other planets as well. 

References:

"topographic map." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 07 Apr. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/topographic map>.

Links:

"click here" for topographic map of Vero Beach