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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 174 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

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

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

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

Georgia's topography is notably diverse, characterized by five main geographic regions that each contribute to its unique landscape. The southern part of the state features the Coastal Plain, a flat, low-lying area that gently slopes toward the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the expansive Okefenokee Swamp, one…

Average elevation: 446 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 728 ft

Oklahoma City is situated in a region characterized by diverse topography that reflects the broader geographical features of the state. The terrain predominantly consists of gently rolling plains, which gradually rise in elevation toward the west, where the land transitions into the rugged Arbuckle Mountains.…

Average elevation: 1,188 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

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

Minneapolis is characterized by a diverse and dynamic topography. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 830 feet (253 meters) above sea level, but this varies significantly across its landscape. The terrain is predominantly flat, interspersed with rolling hills, and is marked by the presence…

Average elevation: 886 ft

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 759 square miles (1,970 km2), of which 751 square miles (1,950 km2) is land and 8.7 square miles (23 km2) (1.1%) is water. The topography consists of rolling hills and valleys and it is part of the region known as the Piedmont.

Average elevation: 407 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

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

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

Tulsa, located in northeastern Oklahoma, is characterized by a diverse and rolling topography that marks its transition from the Great Plains to the Ozark foothills. The city's elevation averages around 700 feet (approximately 210 meters) above sea level, with some areas reaching heights of up to 1,050 feet…

Average elevation: 725 ft

Average elevation: 167 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

Average elevation: 571 ft

The highest natural elevation in the District is 409 feet (125 m) above sea level at Fort Reno Park in upper northwest Washington. The lowest point is sea level at the Potomac River. The geographic center of Washington is near the intersection of 4th and L Streets NW.

Average elevation: 207 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

Average elevation: 761 ft

New Mexico's topography is strikingly diverse, characterized by a mix of high mountain ranges, arid plains, and expansive desert regions. The state is primarily defined by the Rocky Mountains, which run north to south through its central region, featuring peaks that reach over 13,000 feet, such as Wheeler…

Average elevation: 5,535 ft

In 1902, a line of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway was being built through the area, and periodic watering stops were needed along the route for the steam locomotives. The current settlement of Lebanon was on the Preston Ridge, and was too high in elevation, so the watering stop was placed about 4 miles (6…

Average elevation: 659 ft

Maui County's topography is characterized by a dramatic blend of volcanic mountains, rolling hills, and stunning coastal regions, creating a diverse landscape that contributes to its unique beauty. The island's centerpiece is Haleakalā, a massive shield volcano rising to an elevation of 10,023 feet, which is…

Average elevation: 761 ft

The elevation of the City ranges from sea level at the Thames to 21.6 metres (71 ft) at the junction of High Holborn and Chancery Lane. Two small but notable hills are within the historic core, Ludgate Hill to the west and Cornhill to the east. Between them ran the Walbrook, one of the many "lost" rivers or…

Average elevation: 138 ft

Greenland's topography is dominated by its vast ice sheet, which covers approximately 80% of the island and has an average elevation of about 7,000 feet (2,135 meters). This ice sheet is the second largest in the world, following Antarctica, and plays a critical role in regulating the global climate by…

Average elevation: 1,949 ft

Average elevation: 617 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

Average elevation: 285 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

Punta Gorda features a predominantly flat topography characterized by its low elevation, averaging around 7 to 10 feet above sea level. The terrain is primarily made up of coastal plains and wetlands, interspersed with small hills such as those found in South Punta Gorda Heights, which can reach elevations of…

Average elevation: 10 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

Albuquerque features a striking topography characterized by its elevation and diverse geological formations. The city sits at an approximate elevation of 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) near the Rio Grande, rising dramatically to over 6,700 feet (2,000 meters) in the foothills of the nearby Sandia Mountains. These…

Average elevation: 5,538 ft

Rome's topography is characterized by a series of distinct hills and the winding Tiber River, which has been pivotal to its historical development. The city is famously built on seven hills—Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal—each offering unique vantage points and…

Average elevation: 404 ft

Fort Myers, located in Lee County, Florida, features a predominantly flat topography characterized by low elevations, averaging around 10 to 16 feet (approximately 3 to 5 meters) above sea level. The area is primarily composed of coastal plains, which contribute to its lush, subtropical vegetation and…

Average elevation: 16 ft

Topographically, Carroll County is located within the Piedmont Plateau region, with characteristic upland terrain of rolling hills and deciduous forest. The most prominent relief is Parr's Ridge, which bisects the county from southwest to northeast. The highest point is an unnamed 1,120-foot (340 m) hilltop a…

Average elevation: 623 ft

Average elevation: 1,417 ft

South America's topography is marked by remarkable diversity and dramatic contrasts. The continent is dominated by the Andes mountain range, which runs along its western edge, stretching over 4,300 miles from Venezuela to Chile. These mountains are home to some of the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere,…

Average elevation: 928 ft

Lt. Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a U.S. Navy officer in the service of the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, was ordered by the U.S. War Department to build a federal wagon road across the 35th Parallel. His secondary orders were to test the feasibility of the use of camels as pack animals in the…

Average elevation: 3,711 ft

San Antonio features a diverse topography characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains. The city's elevation averages around 650 feet above sea level, but nearby areas can reach heights of up to 1,300 feet in certain locations like Cross Mountain​. The landscape is part of the southern edge of the…

Average elevation: 810 ft

Average elevation: 741 ft

The steep mountains, rolling hills, and valleys surrounding the region are part of the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley Province, and Johnson City is just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roan Mountain, with an elevation of over 6,000 feet (1,800 m), is approximately 20 miles (32 km) to the southeast of the city.…

Average elevation: 1,683 ft

Oklahoma features a diverse and complex topography characterized by its mixture of plains, plateaus, and mountainous regions. The state is divided into distinct physiographic regions, including the flat Prairie Plains that dominate much of the northern and central areas, and the rugged Ozark Plateau in the…

Average elevation: 1,339 ft

The area's terrain is made up of parallel ridges, including Candies Creek Ridge (also called Clingan Ridge), Mouse Creek/Lead Mine Ridge, and Blue Springs Ridge, which are extensions of the Appalachian Mountains (specifically part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians) that run approximately north-northeast…

Average elevation: 866 ft

Blairsville, Georgia, is situated in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, characterized by a varied topography that includes rolling hills, lush valleys, and prominent mountain ridges. The elevation of the town itself is approximately 1,800 feet, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The…

Average elevation: 1,926 ft

Cuba's topography is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes that significantly influence its climate and ecology. The terrain primarily consists of flat to rolling plains, especially in the central and western regions, while the southeast features rugged hills and mountain ranges, including the Sierra…

Average elevation: 30 ft

Average elevation: 696 ft

Blacksburg exhibits a varied topography characterized by its rolling hills and elevation changes. The town is situated at an average elevation of approximately 2,040 feet (621 meters) above sea level, with elevations ranging from about 1,440 feet (440 meters) to peaks reaching approximately 2,800 feet (860…

Average elevation: 2,037 ft

Louisville features a diverse topography shaped by the Ohio River and surrounding landscape. The city lies at an elevation of approximately 466 feet (142 meters) and is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with the highest point in the county reaching about 902 feet (275 meters) at South Park Hill in…

Average elevation: 617 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

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

Montgomery County, Maryland, presents a varied topography characterized by gently rolling hills and an elevation range that fluctuates from around 100 feet (30 meters) to 800 feet (244 meters) above sea level. The county lies at the boundary between the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which…

Average elevation: 394 ft

Average elevation: 2,080 ft

Average elevation: 725 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

Scottsdale features a diverse topography shaped by its location within the Sonoran Desert and the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The city sits at an average elevation of about 1,827 feet (558 meters), with a range that spans from approximately 1,052 feet (321 meters) at its lowest points to 4,819 feet…

Average elevation: 1,814 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

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

Greenville features a varied topography characterized by rolling hills and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 984 feet (300 meters) above sea level, with its landscape shaped significantly by the Reedy River, which flows through the heart of downtown, creating…

Average elevation: 951 ft

Mississippi's topography is characterized by its low-lying terrain, predominantly shaped by river systems and geological formations. The state features a variety of landscapes, including the expansive Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which forms the fertile heart of the Delta region. This area is characterized by…

Average elevation: 243 ft

Mexico City is situated in the Valley of Mexico, an expansive highland region characterized by a unique and varied topography. The city itself rests at an elevation of approximately 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, surrounded by formidable mountain ranges, including the Sierra de Guadalupe to the…

Average elevation: 8,593 ft

Salem is situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley and features a varied topography shaped by its proximity to notable geological formations. The city itself is primarily located at an elevation of around 177 feet (54 meters), but it spans a range from approximately 120 to 800 feet (37 to 244 meters)…

Average elevation: 315 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

Tucson is situated on an alluvial plain in the Sonoran Desert, at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet (730 meters) above sea level. The city is enveloped by five mountain ranges, which contribute significantly to its varied topography. To the north lie the Santa Catalina and Tortolita Mountains, while the…

Average elevation: 2,697 ft

Birmingham has a varied and rugged topography shaped by the nearby Appalachian foothills. The city sits at an average elevation of around 600 feet (183 meters), though it is surrounded by more dramatic terrain that rises higher to 1,000 feet (305 meters) in some areas, particularly to the south and east​.…

Average elevation: 633 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

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

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

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

Martha's Vineyard features a diverse topography characterized by gently rolling hills, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. The island spans approximately 100 square miles and boasts elevations that reach up to 289 feet at its highest point, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The…

Average elevation: 10 ft

Denver is characterized by its diverse topography that combines both high plains and mountain ranges. The city itself sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609 meters), marking it as the "Mile High City." To the east, the landscape transitions into the High Plains, which extend toward the Kansas border,…

Average elevation: 5,525 ft

Fayetteville is nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic valleys that define the region's topography. The elevation in Fayetteville ranges from about 1,100 feet to over 1,500 feet above sea level, creating a varied landscape that features steep ridges…

Average elevation: 1,316 ft

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2), all land. The town has an elevation of 2,330 feet (710 m), so the climate of the area is considerably cooler than might be expected of a town in a southern state.

Average elevation: 2,323 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

Average elevation: 413 ft

Average elevation: 367 ft