A physical map is a type of map that represents the natural features of a geographical area. These features include mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, and other landforms. Physical maps use colors and shading to show elevation and terrain, making it easier to understand the topography of a region.
For example, on a physical map, you might see green areas representing lowlands, brown areas indicating mountains, and blue areas for bodies of water. These maps are particularly useful for hikers, geographers, and anyone interested in understanding the physical landscape of a place.
Physical maps are different from political maps, which focus on boundaries, cities, and human-made features. While political maps show how humans have divided the land, physical maps highlight the natural environment.