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

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

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

New Orleans is situated on relatively flat terrain, primarily at or slightly below sea level, with the average elevation around 6 feet above sea level. The city's landscape is characterized by a network of wetlands, rivers, and bayous, which play a crucial role in its ecology and urban planning. It lies within…

Average elevation: 3 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 3,990 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

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

Jerusalem is situated on the southern spur of a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, which include the Mount of Olives (East) and Mount Scopus (North East). The elevation of the Old City is approximately 760 m (2,490 ft). The whole of Jerusalem is surrounded by valleys and dry riverbeds (wadis). The Kidron,…

Average elevation: 2,162 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 118 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: 869 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

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

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

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

Average elevation: 62 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

Average elevation: 295 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

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

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

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: 10 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

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

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

Ruidoso is in southern Lincoln County, with elevations ranging from 6,400 feet (2,000 m) at the village's southeast corner in the valley of the Rio Ruidoso up to over 7,700 feet (2,300 m) at the village's northern end near Alto. Ruidoso's southern border and westernmost border follow the Otero County line. The…

Average elevation: 7,503 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: 938 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: 5,535 ft

Bali features a diverse topography shaped by a volcanic origin, which significantly influences its landscapes and climate. The island is dominated by a central mountain range that runs from west to east, with Mount Agung, reaching an elevation of approximately 10,308 feet, standing as the highest peak and a…

Average elevation: 400 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

Roanoke is characterized by a diverse topography, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains and the scenic Blue Ridge region. The city is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet, with the surrounding terrain consisting of rolling hills and valleys, predominantly shaped by the nearby Roanoke River.…

Average elevation: 1,093 ft

Columbus is situated in the rolling hills of the Central Lowlands region, characterized by a predominantly flat to gently undulating terrain. The city itself is nestled on the banks of the Scioto River, which flows northward through the area, providing a picturesque waterfront and a variety of recreational…

Average elevation: 856 ft

South Dakota's topography is characterized by a striking contrast between its eastern and western regions. The eastern part features gently rolling hills and fertile plains, which are part of the Great Plains, known for their rich agricultural lands, particularly ideal for crops like wheat and corn​. As one…

Average elevation: 2,352 ft

Average elevation: 20 ft

Average elevation: 574 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

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

Quezon City is characterized by a diverse topography that features a mix of flatlands, rolling hills, and elevated areas, particularly in the eastern and northern parts of the city. The elevation generally ranges from about 25 to 300 feet above sea level, with higher elevations found in areas like the La Mesa…

Average elevation: 187 ft

Brazil's topography is diverse and characterized by a range of landforms, from vast lowlands to rugged plateaus and coastal ranges. The Amazon Basin, occupying over 60% of the country, is the largest drainage basin in the world, with flat, expansive terrain that receives immense rainfall, feeding the Amazon…

Average elevation: 1,207 ft

Average elevation: 492 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

Nebraska is composed of two major land regions: the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains. The easternmost portion of the state was scoured by Ice Age glaciers; the Dissected Till Plains were left after the glaciers retreated. The Dissected Till Plains is a region of gently rolling hills; Omaha and…

Average elevation: 2,451 ft

The state's high point is Eagle Mountain at 2,301 feet (701 m), which is only 13 miles (21 km) away from the low point of 601 feet (183 m) at the shore of Lake Superior. Notwithstanding dramatic local differences in elevation, much of the state is a gently rolling peneplain.

Average elevation: 1,240 ft

Average elevation: 938 ft

Adirondack Park, covering over six million acres, features a diverse topography characterized by rugged mountains, extensive forests, and numerous waterways. The park is dominated by the Adirondack Mountains, which contain 46 peaks exceeding 4,000 feet, with Mount Marcy standing at 5,343 feet as the highest…

Average elevation: 1,217 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: 30 ft

Average elevation: 16 ft

Yellowstone National Park's topography is characterized by a remarkable diversity of geological features shaped by its unique volcanic history and tectonic activity. The park is predominantly situated on the Yellowstone Plateau, which is part of the larger Rocky Mountain range, with elevations ranging from…

Average elevation: 8,038 ft

The western edge of the city is flat along the river, and then steeply slopes to higher terrain to the east. The average elevation is 50 feet, with the highest elevation being 500 feet in the eastern part of the city. The city is longer than it is wide, with the southern part wider than the northern section of…

Average elevation: 449 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

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

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

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: 1,942 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

Wilmington sits near the southeastern coast and has a low-lying, relatively flat topography with an average elevation around 36 feet above sea level. The terrain is characterized by coastal plains with minimal elevation changes, making the landscape generally flat as it gently slopes toward the Atlantic Ocean.…

Average elevation: 23 ft

Wyoming's topography is characterized by a dramatic and varied landscape that includes vast mountain ranges, expansive plateaus, and intermontane basins. The state is predominantly mountainous, with the Rocky Mountains covering a significant portion of its western region. Here, the Wind River Range rises to…

Average elevation: 6,358 ft

Palm Coast features a diverse and relatively flat topography, characterized by its coastal plain terrain, which gently slopes towards the Atlantic Ocean. The elevation typically ranges from about 10 to 30 feet above sea level, providing a subtle gradient that contributes to its scenic views. The area is…

Average elevation: 20 ft

The city is located in the Boquerón Volcano Valley, a region of high seismic activity. The city's average elevation is 659 metres (2,162 feet) above sea level, but ranges from a highest point of 1,186 metres (3,891 feet) above sea level to a lowest point of 596 m (1,955 ft) above sea level. The municipality…

Average elevation: 2,123 ft

Wenatchee is characterized by its diverse topography, nestled at an average elevation of approximately 800 feet. The city is situated in a valley surrounded by significant geographical features, including the rugged foothills of the Cascade Mountains, which rise sharply to elevations of over 4,500 feet just to…

Average elevation: 991 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

Branson features a diverse and picturesque topography characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and abundant water features. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the area has an elevation that typically ranges around 778 feet (237 meters) above sea level. The region is shaped by its proximity to several lakes,…

Average elevation: 902 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

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

Average elevation: 302 ft