Topographic Map

http://www.compassdude.com/contour-quiz.shtml

      This is a topographic map; it is a large-scale map showing relief and man-made features of a portion of a land surface distinguished by portrayal of position, relation, size, shape, and elevation of the features. Unlike a planimetric map, it indicates both horizontal and vertical positions. Contour lines and shading are used in this example to represent the elevation of the land surface. At first glance, one can easily determine the shape of the land.

Mental map

                             http://www.fedstats.gov/kids/mapstats/concepts_mentalmaps.html

      Here, we have an example of a mental map. This type of map represents the perceptions and knowledge a person has of an area. Information used for daily tasks (buildings, streets, paths) is what creates a mental map. No mental map is alike because each one shows what a person knows about the location and uniqueness of their environment. This particular example is a mental map that someone made of their neighborhood. It may not be an accurate map, but it is their own expression of what they know about the neighborhood and how they percieve it.

Planimetric Map

                                        http://www.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/guide/gmillgen.html

      Here is an example of a planimetric map. It only indicates the horizontal positions of features, without regard to elevation. It is also know as a line map. This particular map shows buildings and the irrigation system in Shanghai. It is impossible to determine the elevation of anything because each feature is drawn with horizontal lines.