Which type of map shows existing physical features with contour lines?

A topographic map is specifically designed to represent the three-dimensional landscape of an area in two dimensions by using contour lines. These lines connect points of equal elevation, allowing users to visualize the terrain's shape, slopes, and heights.

Topographic maps are particularly useful in a variety of applications, including land use planning, hiking, and civil engineering projects such as septic system installations. The contour lines help identify features like hills, valleys, and flat areas, which are crucial for determining suitable locations for septic system placement to ensure proper drainage and treatment of wastewater.

In contrast, while other types of maps provide valuable information, they do not focus on physical features in the same way as topographic maps do. Geological maps highlight the distribution of rocks and minerals, floodplain maps display areas prone to flooding, and soil maps illustrate different soil types and their properties. These maps serve their specific purposes but lack the detailed representation of terrain elevation found in topographic maps.