Topographic maps

The topography of the United States is characterized by diverse and dynamic landscapes that vary widely across the country. In the east, rolling hills and low mountains transition into the Appalachian Mountains, featuring peaks that generally reach around 6,000 feet (1,829 meters). Moving westward, the terrain…

Average elevation: 1,014 ft

Seattle features a diverse topography characterized by its unique geographical setting between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The city is situated on an isthmus, which contributes to its dramatic landscape, featuring rolling hills and steep slopes that rise abruptly from the waterfront. The average elevation…

Average elevation: 131 ft

Florida's topography is characterized by its predominantly flat landscape, with the highest elevation being Britton Hill at just 345 feet (105 meters) above sea level, making it the lowest high point of any U.S. state. The state is primarily divided into three physiographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain,…

Average elevation: 20 ft

Portland features a striking and varied topography characterized by its location at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The city lies within the fertile Willamette Valley, flanked by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains to the east, including the prominent Mount Hood, and the less elevated…

Average elevation: 253 ft

San Francisco is characterized by its striking and varied topography, making it one of the most distinctive cities in the United States. The landscape features a mix of rolling hills and steep inclines, with the highest elevation reaching approximately 922 feet at Twin Peaks. The average elevation across the…

Average elevation: 207 ft

San Diego is characterized by a diverse topography that features coastal plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountain ranges. The city is situated along the Pacific Ocean, where it boasts an extensive shoreline with sandy beaches and tidal zones. As you move inland, the landscape transitions from the flat…

Average elevation: 410 ft

Saint Petersburg features a predominantly flat topography characteristic of the Gulf Coast region. The city's elevation averages around 44 feet (approximately 13.4 meters) above sea level, with some areas dipping to about 15 feet (4.6 meters)​. This relatively low elevation contributes to the area's…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Phoenix is characterized by a unique topographical landscape nestled in the Salt River Valley. This valley, at an average elevation of about 1,086 feet, is framed by several prominent mountain ranges, creating a striking contrast between the flat plains and elevated terrains​. Notable peaks such as Camelback…

Average elevation: 1,578 ft

Average elevation: 253 ft

New York City's topography is a fascinating blend of varied elevations and unique landscapes, reflecting its diverse geography across five boroughs. Situated at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers, the city primarily features low-lying terrain, with the average elevation hovering around sea level.…

Average elevation: 62 ft

Denver, situated at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters), is renowned as the "Mile High City." It is located in the South Platte River Valley, just east of the Rocky Mountains' foothills. The city's topography features a gently sloping landscape characterized by rolling hills and wide valleys,…

Average elevation: 5,525 ft

Nashville-Davidson, features a diverse topography characterized by its position in the Nashville Basin and the Highland Rim. The terrain is predominantly hilly, with elevations ranging from approximately 385 feet at the Cumberland River to around 1,163 feet in areas like Radnor Lake State Natural Area. This…

Average elevation: 604 ft

Texas showcases a diverse and expansive topography that spans approximately 268,000 square miles (694,117 Km²), making it the second-largest state in the United States. The landscape ranges from the arid deserts of West Texas, characterized by broad valleys and mesas, to the rolling hills of the Texas Hill…

Average elevation: 1,699 ft

Ohio's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that ranges from the flat plains in the north to the rolling hills and rugged terrain in the southeast. The state can be divided into several distinct regions, including the Great Lakes Plains to the north, the Central Plains in the west, and the…

Average elevation: 912 ft

Austin features a diverse and varied topography shaped by its position along the Balcones Fault. The city’s elevation ranges from about 425 feet to approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, creating a landscape characterized by rolling hills and elevated areas particularly in the western regions. To the…

Average elevation: 709 ft

Tennessee features a diverse and varied topography characterized by its distinct regions, which include the Appalachian Mountains, the Central Basin, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. The state’s highest point is Clingmans Dome, rising to about 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) above sea level, while the lowest point is…

Average elevation: 764 ft

Oregon's topography is strikingly diverse, characterized by an array of geographical features that shape its unique landscape. The state is framed by two significant mountain ranges: the Pacific Coast Range to the west and the Cascade Mountains running north to south through the center. This mountainous…

Average elevation: 3,077 ft

The Himalayas present a dramatic and varied topography characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and extensive glaciers. This majestic mountain range features some of the highest elevations on Earth, including Mount Everest, which rises to 29,035 feet. The terrain is marked by steep, jagged ridges and…

Average elevation: 24,787 ft

Dallas features a predominantly flat terrain characterized by elevations generally ranging from 450 to 550 feet (137 to 168 meters) above sea level. The landscape is shaped significantly by the western edge of the Austin Chalk Formation, a limestone escarpment known as the White Rock Escarpment, which rises…

Average elevation: 525 ft

Philadelphia, located at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, features a diverse topography characterized by its gentle slopes and valleys. The city lies on the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, transitioning from the flat Coastal Plain to the more rugged Piedmont region. This unique geographical…

Average elevation: 144 ft

Pittsburgh, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is characterized by its distinct and varied topography, shaped by the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. The city itself is situated at an average elevation of approximately 764 feet (233 meters) above sea level, with the terrain…

Average elevation: 994 ft

Atlanta features a varied topography characterized by its rolling hills and elevated terrain. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 1,050 feet (320 meters) above sea level, with elevations ranging from about 725 feet (221 meters) to 1,175 feet (358 meters) in the surrounding areas​. This…

Average elevation: 932 ft

Puerto Rico features a diverse topography characterized by a mountainous interior, coastal plains, and stunning beaches. The island's central region is dominated by the Cordillera Central mountain range, which includes the highest peak, Cerro de Punta, rising to 4,390 feet (1,338 meters). These mountains…

Average elevation: 213 ft

Kansas City features a diverse topography characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging from about 794 to 997 feet above sea level. The landscape is shaped by the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, resulting in a mix of elevated areas and flat river plains. The region's average…

Average elevation: 909 ft

Virginia's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the east to the mountainous regions in the west. The Coastal Plain features flat, low-lying areas that gradually rise to the Piedmont, known for its rolling hills and valleys. Further west, the…

Average elevation: 814 ft

Michigan's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from flat plains to rugged hills. The state comprises two peninsulas, with the Upper Peninsula showcasing more pronounced elevation changes, including its highest point, Mount Arvon, which rises to 1,979 feet (603 meters). In…

Average elevation: 850 ft

Colorado's topography is characterized by a diverse range of elevations and landforms, making it one of the most geologically varied states in the U.S. The state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, which run north to south and include the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Elbert, towering at…

Average elevation: 6,759 ft

California's topography is characterized by a remarkable diversity that includes expansive mountain ranges, deep valleys, and vast deserts. The Sierra Nevada mountains dominate the eastern part of the state, with peaks such as Mount Whitney rising to 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), making it the tallest point in…

Average elevation: 3,048 ft

Arizona's topography is highly diverse, shaped by three distinct regions: the Colorado Plateau, the Basin and Range Province, and the Transition Zone. The northern Colorado Plateau is characterized by flat, high plains over 4,000 feet in elevation, including the Grand Canyon and its breathtaking cliffs. In…

Average elevation: 4,032 ft

The land to the south of this moraine to the South Shore is the outwash plain of the last glacier. One part of the outwash plain was known as the Hempstead Plains, and this land contained one of the few natural prairies to exist east of the Appalachian Mountains. The glaciers melted and receded to the north,…

Average elevation: 138 ft

Average elevation: 295 ft

Manhattan, a densely populated urban island, has a diverse topography characterized by its generally flat terrain interspersed with elevated areas. The average elevation is about 50 feet (15 meters) above sea level, with its highest point reaching approximately 265 feet (81 meters) at Bennett Park in…

Average elevation: 52 ft

Ukraine's topography is characterized by a striking contrast of features across its vast landscape. The country predominantly consists of fertile plains and steppes, especially in the central and southern regions, where elevations typically range from sea level to around 600 meters (1,969 feet) above sea…

Average elevation: 600 ft

Miami is characterized by its unique topography, which features a broad coastal plain lying between the expansive Everglades to the west and the tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay to the east. The average elevation across the city is approximately 16 feet (5 meters) above sea level, with some areas dipping…

Average elevation: 16 ft

Boston features a diverse and dynamic topography that shapes its character. The city is primarily located on the Shawmut Peninsula and encompasses a mix of coastal plains and rolling hills. Its average elevation hovers around 85 feet, with the highest point being Bellevue Hill at approximately 330 feet​. The…

Average elevation: 82 ft

Chicago is characterized by its predominantly flat terrain, with an average elevation of about 579 feet (176 meters) above sea level. The city's landscape is primarily shaped by its proximity to Lake Michigan to the east, which influences local weather and provides a scenic waterfront. While the central areas…

Average elevation: 597 ft

Salt Lake City's topography is characterized by a striking contrast between its flat valley floor and the surrounding rugged mountains. The city is situated in the Salt Lake Valley, with an average elevation of approximately 4,237 feet above sea level, making it one of the higher major cities in the United…

Average elevation: 5,223 ft

Raleigh features a topography primarily defined by its position along the fall line, which is the geological boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. This area experiences a gradual elevation drop of approximately 150 to 350 feet over a distance of 1 to 3 miles as one moves eastward. The city's…

Average elevation: 338 ft

Charlotte, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, features a gently rolling terrain characterized by elevations ranging from approximately 650 to 700 feet (198 to 213 meters). The city is bordered to the west by the Catawba River, which contributes to the area's mild climate and lush vegetation.…

Average elevation: 679 ft

Asheville, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography primarily shaped by its position within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet, surrounded by peaks that rise significantly higher, such as Mount…

Average elevation: 2,385 ft

Average elevation: 459 ft

Tampa is characterized by a predominantly flat topography, with an average elevation around 16 to 49 feet (5 to 15 meters) above sea level. The terrain is marked by low-lying areas and gentle slopes, with the highest points in the vicinity reaching approximately 62 feet (19 meters). This landscape is…

Average elevation: 36 ft

Naples features a predominantly flat and low-lying topography. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 5 to 10 feet above sea level, contributing to its coastal and marshy characteristics. The terrain is mostly characterized by sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, interspersed with wetlands and…

Average elevation: 10 ft

Los Angeles is characterized by a diverse and dynamic topography. The city is predominantly situated in a basin bordered by mountain ranges, including the Santa Monica Mountains to the north and the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, with elevations reaching up to about 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in certain…

Average elevation: 791 ft

Las Vegas is characterized by its distinctive topography, which features a mix of arid desert landscapes and mountainous terrain. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 2,030 feet (620 meters) above sea level, while the surrounding peaks reach heights exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 meters),…

Average elevation: 2,480 ft

Chile's topography is marked by remarkable contrasts, stretching nearly 2,700 miles along the southwest coast of South America, yet averaging only about 110 miles in width. To the east, the formidable Andes Mountains create a dramatic backdrop, with peaks soaring over 22,600 feet, particularly along the…

Average elevation: 633 ft

Pennsylvania's topography is characterized by its rich diversity, ranging from the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the south to the flatlands of the northern plateau. The state's elevation varies significantly, with the highest point being Mount Davis at approximately 3,213 feet (979 meters) and the lowest at…

Average elevation: 1,115 ft

Average elevation: 20 ft

Mexico's topography is characterized by a remarkable diversity, featuring rugged mountains, expansive plateaus, and lush coastal plains. The Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges run parallel to the country's western and eastern coasts, respectively, creating a central highland…

Average elevation: 1,352 ft

Average elevation: 0 ft

Washington State's topography is characterized by dramatic contrasts, shaped primarily by the formidable Cascade Mountain Range that divides the state into distinct western and eastern regions. The western part is marked by rugged mountains, lush forests, and a plethora of lakes, resulting from glacial…

Average elevation: 2,612 ft

Lake Tahoe is renowned for its dramatic topography, characterized by rugged mountain ranges and deep, crystal-clear waters. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, the lake itself lies at an elevation of approximately 6,225 feet (1,897 meters) and spans about 22 miles (35 kilometers) in length and 12 miles (19…

Average elevation: 6,814 ft

The Columbia's heavy flow and large elevation drop over a short distance, 2.16 feet per mile (40.9 centimeters per kilometer), give it tremendous capacity for hydroelectricity generation. In comparison, the Mississippi drops less than 0.65 feet per mile (12.3 cm/km). The Columbia alone possesses one-third of…

Average elevation: 3,583 ft

Pinellas County features a predominantly flat terrain, characterized by low-lying coastal plains that rise gently from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The highest points in the county reach around 60 feet above sea level, primarily found in the northern sections. The area is interspersed with numerous water…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Average elevation: 30 ft

North America's topography is characterized by its diverse and dramatic landscapes, stretching from the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the expansive Great Plains in the central region, and the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the east. The Rocky Mountains, which include peaks exceeding 20,000 feet…

Average elevation: 965 ft

Average elevation: 748 ft

Omaha features a varied topography characterized by rolling hills and valleys that rise gently from the Missouri River, which forms the city's eastern boundary. The landscape is primarily composed of prairie and hardwood forests, offering a mix of open spaces and wooded areas. Elevations within the city range…

Average elevation: 1,109 ft

El Paso is characterized by a diverse and striking topography shaped by its desert environment and mountainous landscapes. The city is situated at an average elevation of approximately 3,700 feet above sea level, surrounded by the rugged Franklin Mountains to the west, where peaks exceed 7,000 feet​. This…

Average elevation: 4,058 ft

San Jose, located in Santa Clara County, California, features a diverse topography characterized by a mix of low-lying plains and rolling hills. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 82 feet (25 meters) above sea level, with the surrounding terrain including the foothills of the Santa Cruz…

Average elevation: 866 ft

Maine's topography is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its mountainous interiors. The state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, which features a mix of low-lying sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Inland, the terrain transitions into rolling hills and…

Average elevation: 650 ft

Average elevation: 725 ft

Durango is set within a striking and diverse topography characterized by its elevation of 6,512 feet above sea level and its position in the Animas River Valley. The city lies at the foothills of the rugged La Plata Mountains to the west and is flanked by the San Juan Mountains to the north and east. This…

Average elevation: 7,093 ft

Vancouver, British Columbia, is situated on the Burrard Peninsula, bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. The city's topography is a blend of flat and hilly terrains, with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 152 meters (500 feet) above sea level. The North…

Average elevation: 112 ft

Houston is characterized by its predominantly flat topography, sitting at an average elevation of approximately 59 feet (18 meters) above sea level. The city is situated on the Gulf Coastal Plain, which is dissected by a network of bayous that contribute to the region's drainage. This terrain was once covered…

Average elevation: 82 ft

Kenya's climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland to arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. The area receives a great deal of sunshine every month. It is usually cool at night and early in the morning inland at higher elevations.

Average elevation: 2,352 ft

Average elevation: 4,514 ft

Oakland features a diverse topography shaped by its location along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay and the presence of the nearby coastal hills. The city sits on a flat coastal plain that gradually ascends toward the Oakland Hills to the east, where elevations can exceed 1,700 feet. The highest point…

Average elevation: 167 ft

Colorado Springs boasts a diverse and striking topography characterized by its high elevation and mountainous terrain. Nestled at approximately 6,035 feet (1,839 meters) above sea level, the city is flanked by the majestic Pikes Peak, which rises dramatically to 14,115 feet (4,302 meters), forming part of the…

Average elevation: 7,388 ft

Average elevation: 72 ft

Crossville is located at the center of Cumberland County at 35°57′15″N 85°1′53″W / 35.95417°N 85.03139°W / 35.95417; -85.03139 (35.954221, -85.031267). The city is situated atop the Cumberland Plateau amidst the headwaters of the Obed River, which slices a gorge north of Crossville en…

Average elevation: 1,814 ft

Columbia features a relatively gentle and rolling topography. The elevation in this area varies, with the city itself situated around 318 feet above sea level, while the surrounding regions exhibit elevations that can reach as high as 573 feet. The landscape is characterized by a mix of low-lying areas and…

Average elevation: 292 ft

Average elevation: 16 ft

Boone, located in Watauga County, North Carolina, is set within the rugged Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Blue Ridge range. With an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet (1,016 meters), it stands as one of the highest towns of its size in the eastern United States. The terrain is dominated by steep…

Average elevation: 3,507 ft

Average elevation: 863 ft

Reno is characterized by its diverse topography, which is shaped by its elevation and the surrounding mountain ranges. Situated at an average elevation of approximately 4,500 feet (about 1,370 meters), the city is nestled in a high desert region that features a mix of flat valleys and gently rolling hills​.…

Average elevation: 5,413 ft

Cleveland features a diverse topography shaped significantly by its proximity to Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The city is characterized by a rapid elevation change, with the lakefront sitting at approximately 569 feet above sea level. Just inland, Public Square rises to about 650 feet, while further from…

Average elevation: 705 ft

The first settlement started in 1815. In 1819, the military garrison abandoned the fort and moved to Detroit. In 1822, a federal land office opened to sell land ceded by local Native Americans by the Treaty of St. Mary's in 1818. Platted in 1823 at the Ewing Tavern, the village became an important frontier…

Average elevation: 807 ft

Charleston is characterized by its relatively flat topography, with an average elevation of about 10 feet above sea level, making it prone to flooding during heavy rains and storms. The city is situated on a peninsula bordered by the Ashley River to the west and the Cooper River to the east, creating a natural…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Savannah is characterized by a unique and varied topography shaped by its coastal location and historical development. The city is situated on a series of low bluffs along the Savannah River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 18 miles (29 km) away. The terrain features a mix of flat coastal…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Tallahassee features a distinctive topography that is characterized by hilly terrain, which is somewhat atypical for the generally flat landscape of the state. The city is located at the southern end of the Red Hills Region and just above the Cody Scarp, with elevations ranging from about 7 feet near its low…

Average elevation: 118 ft

Orlando features a predominantly flat terrain characterized by gentle hills and low-lying areas, with elevations typically ranging from 50 to 100 feet above sea level. Despite its overall flatness, the topography includes marshes and wetlands due to the presence of numerous lakes and rivers, contributing to a…

Average elevation: 98 ft

Chattanooga showcases a diverse and striking topography that is defined by its position within the Appalachian region. Nestled between the rugged Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau, the city is framed by dramatic hills and valleys, creating a visually compelling landscape. The Tennessee…

Average elevation: 1,086 ft

Alaska's topography is characterized by dramatic contrasts, featuring a diverse array of mountainous regions, vast plains, and intricate coastlines. The Alaska Range, home to Denali, rises to an elevation of 20,310 feet, making it the highest peak in North America. This mountain range exhibits significant…

Average elevation: 679 ft

Wisconsin's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape shaped by glacial activity, resulting in a mixture of rolling hills, flat plains, and numerous lakes. The state’s highest point is Timms Hill, reaching an elevation of 1,952 feet (595 meters), while its lowest point is the shore of Lake Michigan…

Average elevation: 988 ft

Vermont's topography is characterized by its prominent mountainous regions, particularly the Green Mountains, which run through the center of the state. This mountain range includes Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, reaching an elevation of 4,393 feet. The terrain features a variety of landscapes, from…

Average elevation: 1,142 ft

Utah's topography is characterized by a stunning variety of landscapes, reflecting its geological complexity and rich natural history. The state is primarily shaped by the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range province, resulting in a diverse terrain that includes rugged mountain ranges, deep canyons, and…

Average elevation: 6,155 ft

South Carolina's topography is defined by three major geographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Covering approximately two-thirds of the state, the Atlantic Coastal Plain is characterized by flat, gently rolling terrain that transitions from the sandy beaches…

Average elevation: 279 ft

North Carolina features a diverse topography that can be divided into three distinct regions: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain, which occupies the eastern part of the state, is characterized by flat and gently sloping land, with elevations typically less than…

Average elevation: 535 ft

New Jersey's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that ranges from coastal plains to rolling hills and rugged mountains. The state features a predominantly low elevation along its eastern coastline, where major cities like Newark and Jersey City are located. This coastal lowland, which includes…

Average elevation: 236 ft

Missouri's topography is marked by a diverse array of landforms that contribute to its unique landscape. The state is characterized by four main physiographic regions: the Ozark Plateau, Dissected Till Plains, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Osage Plains. The Ozark Plateau, located in the south, features…

Average elevation: 827 ft

Kentucky's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that varies significantly across its regions. The state features rolling hills, plateaus, and mountainous areas, particularly in the eastern section where the Cumberland Plateau rises to the highest point at Black Mountain, which reaches 4,139 feet…

Average elevation: 991 ft

Indiana's topography is characterized by gently rolling hills, primarily in the central and southern regions, and flat plains in the north. The state's average elevation is around 650 feet, with the highest point being Hoosier Hill at approximately 1,257 feet, located in Wayne County. The lowest elevation,…

Average elevation: 741 ft

Illinois features a diverse topography characterized primarily by broad, fertile plains and some hilly regions. The state is predominantly flat, with about 90% covered by the Central Plains, particularly the Till Plains, which are rich agricultural lands shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. The…

Average elevation: 699 ft

Delaware's topography is characterized by a distinctive blend of low-lying plains and gentle hills, reflective of its geographical positioning on the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Appalachian Piedmont. The state predominantly features flat terrain, especially in its southern regions, where elevations rarely…

Average elevation: 52 ft

Connecticut's topography is a diverse landscape characterized by a mix of mountainous regions, lowlands, and coastal areas. The state can be broadly divided into five geographical regions: the Taconic Section, which features the highest point in Connecticut at Bear Mountain (2,380 feet / 725 meters), has steep…

Average elevation: 387 ft

Alabama's topography is characterized by a diverse and intricate landscape that varies significantly across its regions. In the northern and northeastern parts, the terrain features the hilly and mountainous Appalachian Highlands, including the notable Cheaha Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 2,407 feet…

Average elevation: 446 ft

Average elevation: 1,493 ft

Average elevation: 1,401 ft

Average elevation: 10 ft