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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indonesia's topography is as varied as its expansive archipelago, marked by rugged mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and vast lowland plains. The majority of its major islands are mountainous, with some of the highest peaks rising above 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), such as Puncak Jaya in Papua. These…

Average elevation: 266 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

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

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: 13 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

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

Lee County features a predominantly flat topography with minimal elevation variation. The average elevation across the county ranges from sea level up to approximately 30 feet in some inland areas like Lehigh Acres​. The region is characterized by extensive wetlands, marshes, and a network of rivers and…

Average elevation: 16 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

Shimla is on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas at 31°37′N 77°06′E / 31.61°N 77.10°E / 31.61; 77.10. It has an average altitude of 2,206 metres (7,238 ft) above mean sea level and extends along a ridge with seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 kilometres (5+3⁄4 mi) from east to…

Average elevation: 5,108 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Louisiana's topography is defined by a variety of landscapes that reflect both its coastal and inland characteristics. Much of the state consists of low-lying plains, including the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, where the fertile soils of the delta create an area vital for agriculture. The eastern region near the…

Average elevation: 128 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

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

Memphis is characterized by a varied topography shaped by its location on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The city itself sits at an elevation of about 300 feet, providing a scenic view of the river valley below. To the west, the landscape transitions into the Mississippi Alluvial…

Average elevation: 282 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

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

Average elevation: 52 ft

Flagstaff, located in Coconino County, Arizona, is characterized by its diverse topography, primarily shaped by its high elevation and volcanic activity. Sitting at around 7,000 feet (approximately 2,130 meters), the city is surrounded by the expansive Coconino National Forest, which features a blend of…

Average elevation: 7,139 ft

The Scottish Highlands are renowned for their rugged, mountainous terrain that dominates much of the region. Stretching across the northern and central parts of Scotland, the landscape is shaped by ancient geological forces, including the Caledonian Orogeny, which caused significant tectonic collisions…

Average elevation: 2,976 ft

Buffalo is characterized by its relatively flat terrain, predominantly lying on the Erie/Ontario Lake Plain, which forms part of the Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands. The city's elevation averages around 607 feet above sea level, with minor variations, particularly in neighborhoods like University Heights, which…

Average elevation: 607 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

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

Israel's topography is strikingly diverse, encompassing a variety of landscapes within its relatively small area of approximately 8,522 square miles (22,072 Km²). The coastal plain stretches along the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by sandy shores and fertile land that supports extensive agriculture,…

Average elevation: 1,345 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

West Virginia is renowned for its mountainous terrain, primarily part of the Appalachian Mountain system. The state's topography is characterized by steep ridges, deep valleys, and rugged plateaus. The Allegheny Plateau dominates much of the western and central regions, with its dissected hills and valleys,…

Average elevation: 1,411 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

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

Average elevation: 253 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: 167 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

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

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

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

Most of Southern California has a Mediterranean-like climate, with warm and dry summers, mild and wet winters, where cool weather and freezing temperatures are rare. Southern California contains other types of climates, including semi-arid, desert and mountain, with infrequent rain and many sunny days. Summers…

Average elevation: 1,900 ft

Average elevation: 121 ft

Eureka, located along Humboldt Bay in Northern California, has a diverse and varied topography. The city itself is situated at relatively low elevations, with the bay’s narrow point serving as a key feature in the landscape. Its average elevation is around 50 feet (15 meters), and the terrain gently rises…

Average elevation: 59 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

Average elevation: 945 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

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

Washington sits along the Potomac River in a region characterized by relatively low and gradual terrain. The city's central area is largely flat, with elevation rising slightly to the north and south. The highest natural point is located at Fort Reno Park in the northwest, reaching 409 feet (125 meters) above…

Average elevation: 171 ft

Average elevation: 3 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

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

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

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

Birmingham is a snowy city relative to other large UK conurbations, due to its inland location and comparatively high elevation. Between 1961 and 1990 Birmingham Airport averaged 13.0 days of snow lying annually, compared to 5.33 at London Heathrow. Snow showers often pass through the city via the Cheshire gap…

Average elevation: 427 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

Average elevation: 860 ft

Africa's topography is a complex tapestry of plateaus, mountains, valleys, and deserts. The continent is dominated by vast plateaus, with elevations averaging around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), especially prominent in the south and east. The Ethiopian Highlands, often referred to as the "Roof of Africa," rise…

Average elevation: 1,516 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

Warsaw lies in east-central Poland about 300 km (190 mi) from the Carpathian Mountains and about 260 km (160 mi) from the Baltic Sea, 523 km (325 mi) east of Berlin, Germany. The city straddles the Vistula River. It is located in the heartland of the Masovian Plain, and its average elevation is 100 m (330 ft)…

Average elevation: 312 ft

The official elevation of the city is 1,207 feet (368 m), the elevation of the historic Newhall Airport which was northwest of Via Princessa and Railroad Avenue from the 1930s through the 1950s. Elevation varies substantially throughout the city. The lowest point in Santa Clarita is near the junction of CA-126…

Average elevation: 1,686 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

Cincinnati features a distinctive topography characterized by its rolling hills and valleys. The city is situated on the north bank of the Ohio River, where the terrain rises sharply from the riverfront, reaching elevations of approximately 980 feet (299 meters) in some areas. The average elevation throughout…

Average elevation: 728 ft

Cape Coral is characterized by its predominantly flat and low-lying terrain, with an average elevation of around 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level. The area's topography features a network of canals, with over 400 miles of navigable waterways, making it one of the most waterway-dense cities globally. The…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Gainesville is situated in a region characterized by gently rolling hills and a mix of flatlands, typical of north-central Florida's terrain. The elevation ranges from approximately 50 to 200 feet above sea level, providing a scenic landscape dotted with lush vegetation and various waterways, including the…

Average elevation: 138 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

Average elevation: 761 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

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

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

Average elevation: 16 ft

Average elevation: 20 ft

Average elevation: 7 ft

Average elevation: 3 ft