Which map shows the distribution of physical features and relief using color bands (hypsometric technique)?

• A. Hypsometric Map
• B. Bathymetric Map
• C. Chorographic Map
• D. Lithofacies Map

Answer: (A)

Hypsometric technique uses a range of colors to encode elevation and depth, turning terrain relief into a visible color gradient. This lets you see at a glance where lowlands, mid elevations, and high mountains occur, and it can extend to underwater depths as well, all shown through color bands. That makes a hypsometric map the type designed specifically to display the distribution of physical features and relief with these color-tinted elevations.

Other map types focus on different aspects: a bathymetric map emphasizes underwater depths themselves, not the full land–sea relief pattern on a single color-graded display; a chorographic map is a general geographic map showing locations and features without the hypsometric color scheme; and a lithofacies map shows rock types and sedimentary facies rather than relief.