What do planimetric maps primarily show?

Planimetric maps primarily depict horizontal positions of geographic features and are designed to represent distances and directions without including elevation information. They illustrate physical and man-made features such as roads, buildings, and land use. The key characteristic of planimetric maps is their focus on a two-dimensional layout, making them effective for understanding spatial relationships between features on the same plane.

The mapping of only distances and directions aligns perfectly with the essential purpose of planimetric maps, which do not concern themselves with vertical dimensions like elevation or depth. This aspect clearly distinguishes them from other types of maps that may include topography or other vertical data, enabling users to analyze spatial configurations effectively.

Other choices incorrectly emphasize features not represented on a planimetric map, such as topographical features which include elevation, geological aspects, and hydrological patterns, making them unsuitable descriptors for a planimetric context.