Geolocate

Manhattan topographic map

Interactive map

Click on the map to display elevation.

Manhattan

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 Washington Heights, which played a significant role during the Revolutionary War​. Originally, the island featured more pronounced hills and valleys, but extensive land reclamation and urban development have modified its natural landscape significantly. The coastline, particularly on the western side, has been extensively altered, with artificial structures lining the waterfront​. The land is bordered by the Hudson River to the west and the East River to the east, which adds to the island's unique geographic features.

About this map

Name: Manhattan topographic map, elevation, terrain.

Location: Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (40.67965 -74.04721 40.88201 -73.90677)

Average elevation: 52 ft

Minimum elevation: -30 ft

Maximum elevation: 384 ft

Routes: New York County GPS tracks, routes, trails, hikes

Other topographic maps

Click on a map to view its topography, its elevation and its terrain.

Central Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

In June 1856, Fernando Wood appointed a "consulting board" of seven people, headed by author Washington Irving, to inspire public confidence in the proposed development. Wood hired military engineer Egbert Ludovicus Viele as the park's chief engineer, tasking him with a topographical survey of the site. The…

Average elevation: 85 ft

Inwood Hill Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

Inwood Hill Park is a 196 acres (79 ha) public park in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. On a high schist ridge that rises 200 feet (61 m) above the Hudson River from Dyckman Street to the northern tip of the island, Inwood…

Average elevation: 46 ft

Roosevelt Island

United States > New York > New York County > New York

The island is one of the southernmost locations in New York City where Fordham gneiss, a type of bedrock commonly found beneath the South Bronx, can be seen above ground. The gneiss outcropping was surrounded by dolomite, which was worn down by East River currents, creating the current island. The layer of…

Average elevation: 43 ft

Brooklyn Bridge Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

Brooklyn Bridge Park spans 85 acres (34 ha) of the East River waterfront in the Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The park is divided into eleven sections: Piers 1 through 6; Fulton Ferry Landing; Brooklyn Bridge Plaza; Empire Fulton Ferry; Main Street; and John Street. Each of these…

Average elevation: 30 ft

Morningside Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

Dutch settlers occupied Manhattan in the early 17th century and called the area around Morningside Park Vredendal, meaning 'peaceful dale'. The lowlands to the east were called Flacken by the Dutch, and were later translated to "Flats" in English. The land to the east was not settled initially because of its…

Average elevation: 66 ft

Paley Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

Average elevation: 79 ft

Fort Tryon Park

United States > New York > New York County > New York

In preparation for converting the land into a city park, Rockefeller hired the Olmsted Brothers firm, particularly Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the designer of Central Park. Olmsted's design capitalized on the topography to reveal sweeping vistas of the Hudson River and the Palisades. Olmsted Jr. was…

Average elevation: 66 ft

Governors Island

United States > New York > New York County > New York

By the mid-1790s, increased military tensions renewed an interest in fortifying New York Harbor, and a U.S. congressional committee had drawn a map of possible locations for the First System of fortifications to protect major American urban centers. Governors Island was one of the first locations where…

Average elevation: 3 ft