Hypsometric Maps

Source: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~dbertuca/maps/cat/map-portion-images.html

Hypsometric maps are similar to topographic maps, since they both use contour lines to show elevation. In addition, they can use colors and shading. The map above is a great example of colors utilized to describe land. The red areas are of much higher elevation that the flat areas in the light green color. These colors filled between the contour lines give an illustration of the land without seeing an actual aerial view.