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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 7 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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 121 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

The San Francisco Bay Area is characterized by a diverse and dynamic topography shaped by geological processes over millions of years. This region features a combination of coastal plains, steep hills, and rugged mountains, all influenced by the tectonic activity associated with the nearby San Andreas Fault…

Average elevation: 371 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

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

The city's elevation is 2,643 ft (806 m) above sea level (as measured at the Tucson International Airport). Tucson is on an alluvial plain in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by five minor ranges of mountains: the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Tortolita Mountains to the north, the Santa Rita Mountains to the…

Average elevation: 2,743 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

Average elevation: 328 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

Native Americans populated the area around modern-day Kennewick for millennia before being discovered and settled by European descendants. These inhabitants consisted of people from the Umatilla, Wanapum, Nez Perce, and Yakama tribes. Kennewick's low elevation helped to moderate winter temperatures. On top of…

Average elevation: 515 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

New Hampshire's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that ranges from its towering mountains to its serene lakes and rolling hills. Dominated by the White Mountains, the highest point in the state is Mount Washington, reaching an elevation of 6,288 feet, while the average elevation across New…

Average elevation: 961 ft

Arkansas, often referred to as the "Natural State," features a diverse topography characterized by rolling hills, extensive forests, and significant river valleys. The landscape is primarily shaped by two major mountain ranges: the Ozark Mountains in the north and the Ouachita Mountains to the south. The…

Average elevation: 512 ft

Average elevation: 7,838 ft

Fort Yuma is located on the banks of the Colorado River in Winterhaven, California. First established after the end of the Mexican–American War in 1848, it was originally located in the bottoms near the Colorado River, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) below the mouth of the Gila River. It was to defend the newly…

Average elevation: 623 ft

Whidbey Island features a diverse topography characterized by a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The island stretches approximately 55 miles in length and up to 12 miles wide, rising to elevations of about 500 feet at its highest point. Its terrain includes expansive farmland…

Average elevation: 148 ft

Horry County features a diverse topography that ranges from coastal plains to elevated inland areas. The county's eastern boundary runs along the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by sandy beaches and a series of coastal barriers, which transition into marshy wetlands. Moving inland, the terrain gradually rises to…

Average elevation: 46 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

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

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: 492 ft

Average elevation: 413 ft

Average elevation: 33 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

Average elevation: 492 ft

Mauna Kea (/ˌmaʊnə ˈkeɪə/; Hawaiian: [ˈmɐwnə ˈkɛjə]; abbreviation for Mauna a Wākea) is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi. Its peak is 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaiʻi and second-highest peak of an island on Earth. The peak is…

Average elevation: 13,051 ft

Average elevation: 856 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

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

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

Average elevation: 1,749 ft

Average elevation: 705 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

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

Average elevation: 1,037 ft

The city's tropical location and high altitude combine to give it a relatively mild version of a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen Aw). Temperatures rise slightly in October, but this is followed by the cool season from November to February. The cool season sees warm temperatures of around 28 °C or 82.4…

Average elevation: 2,070 ft

Yucca Valley lies in the middle of the Morongo Basin at a base elevation of 3,300 feet. Joshua Tree National Park is adjacent to its southern border.

Average elevation: 3,629 ft

Average elevation: 75 ft

Leavenworth, Washington, is nestled at approximately 1,171 feet (357 meters) above sea level in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The town is surrounded by rugged terrain, with steep slopes that rise sharply to elevations exceeding 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), and prominent peaks such as Icicle…

Average elevation: 1,371 ft

Average elevation: 289 ft

Gatlinburg is nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, specifically at the junction of the Ridge-and-Valley and the Blue Ridge provinces, making its topography notably rugged and varied. The town itself sits at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet above sea level, surrounded by steep ridges and deep…

Average elevation: 1,893 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

Europe's topography is characterized by a striking contrast between its rugged southern mountains and the expansive plains of the north. The continent is often described as a "peninsula of peninsulas," featuring major peninsulas like the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, each with unique geological features. In…

Average elevation: 732 ft

Barrington lies on a low, mostly flat plain bordering the sea. This plain, composed mostly of layers of clay, gravel, sand, and silt soils, was formed by a melting glacier towards the end of the last ice age. Bedrock underlying the soil is largely composed of shales, sandstone, and conglomerate rock, with some…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Average elevation: 203 ft

Kathmandu is located at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) within the Kathmandu Valley. This valley is characterized by a bowl-like topography, encircled by the lower Himalayan ranges, which rise sharply in the north, culminating in peaks that exceed 24,000 feet (7,300 meters)​. The…

Average elevation: 5,046 ft

Owing to the rain shadow of the Pindus Mountains, annual precipitation of Athens is lower than most other parts of Greece, especially western Greece. As an example, Ioannina receives around 1,300 mm (51 in) per year, and Agrinio around 800 mm (31 in) per year. Daily average highs for July have been measured…

Average elevation: 551 ft

Average elevation: 331 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

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: 167 ft

Average elevation: 761 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

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

Average elevation: 2,959 ft

Average elevation: 1,266 ft

Average elevation: 13 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: 620 ft

Average elevation: 971 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

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

Bellingham is characterized by a diverse and striking topography that combines coastal and mountainous landscapes. The city lies along the eastern shore of Bellingham Bay, where the waters of the Puget Sound meet the foothills of the Cascade Range. Rising abruptly from the shoreline, the surrounding hills and…

Average elevation: 292 ft

Average elevation: 1,214 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

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: 1,260 ft

Average elevation: 738 ft

Newport Beach, located in Orange County, California, features a dynamic and varied topography shaped by its coastal position and surrounding hills. The city spans from sea level along its beaches to elevations of over 1,100 feet (335 meters) in the nearby San Joaquin Hills. These hills, particularly noticeable…

Average elevation: 46 ft

Clearwater, situated on the western coast of Florida, features a relatively flat topography typical of the Gulf Coast region. The city lies at an average elevation of around 30 feet above sea level, characterized by gently rolling terrain that transitions smoothly into the expansive beaches along the Gulf of…

Average elevation: 26 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

With a population of 87,505 at the 2020 census, it is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico. It is also the county seat of Santa Fe County. Its metropolitan area is part of the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area, which had a population of 1,162,523 in 2020. The city was founded in…

Average elevation: 7,287 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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