Which statement best describes a planimetric map?

• A. The Horizontal Orientation and Natural and Manmade (Cultural) Features
• B. The Shape and Elevation of the Land
• C. Contour Lines Only
• D. Scale and Legend Only

Answer: (A)

Planimetric maps show features as they appear from above in a horizontal plane, capturing where things are located without conveying height or elevation. The statement that describes the horizontal orientation and natural and manmade (cultural) features matches this idea exactly, because it focuses on where features lie on the map without assigning any vertical relief. Elevation data and contour lines aren’t part of planimetric maps, which is why descriptions centered on elevation or contours don’t fit. Descriptions that list only contour lines or only scale and legend miss the essential content of what a planimetric map represents. Planimetric maps are handy for showing roads, rivers, boundaries, and built features when height isn’t needed.