How is elevation typically represented on a topographic map?

Elevation is typically represented on a topographic map using spot elevations and contour lines. Spot elevations are specific points on the map where the elevation is noted—these often correspond to peaks or other significant landforms. Contour lines, on the other hand, connect points of equal elevation and illustrate the terrain's shape. They show how steep or gentle the slopes are, with closely spaced lines indicating steep areas and widely spaced lines indicating gentle slopes. This combination of methods provides a comprehensive visualization of the terrain's relief, allowing for a better understanding of elevation changes and landscape features.

Other methods of representing elevation, such as color coding or grid lines, do not provide as precise or useful information regarding the topography. While color coding can sometimes indicate elevation ranges, it does not convey the detailed variations and relationships between different elevations. Similarly, grid lines would primarily serve as a reference for locating points rather than expressing elevation itself. Therefore, the use of both spot elevations and contour lines makes option B the most accurate representation of elevation on a topographic map.