What characterizes a planimetric map?

A planimetric map is characterized by its focus on horizontal measurements and the representation of features on the Earth's surface without incorporating vertical data. This means that it shows features such as roads, buildings, and land use, but does not display elevation or relief information. The absence of relief data makes it distinct from topographic maps, which do include elevation, typically through contour lines or shading.

Planimetric maps are used for various applications, such as urban planning, transportation, and land use analysis, where interacting features in a two-dimensional space is essential. The accuracy of distances and locations provided on a planimetric map supports planning and development efforts.

In contrast, maps that include elevation data or use color to represent different elevations would be classified as topographic or thematic maps, focusing on height changes and landscape variations. Additionally, while some maps may focus on aquatic features, a planimetric map does not exclusively center on any particular type of feature but rather portrays a broad array of the surface without vertical context.