What tool would you use to visualize changes in elevation along a specific path?

To visualize changes in elevation along a specific path, topographic profiles are the most appropriate tool. A topographic profile is essentially a cross-sectional view of the terrain, displaying the elevation change along a given line. This allows for a clear understanding of the landscape’s ups and downs, showing features such as hills, valleys, and other topographical aspects in a straightforward manner.

Topographic profiles can be particularly useful for applications such as route planning for hiking, construction projects, and any scenario where understanding elevation changes is critical. They effectively translate complex three-dimensional data into a more interpretable format that highlights elevation variances along a specific route or path.

The other options do not serve this purpose as effectively. Planimetric maps focus on horizontal positions and details without conveying elevation. Geological surveys provide information on the earth's materials and structures but do not typically show changes in elevation along a path directly. Climatic models are concerned with weather patterns and climate dynamics and do not provide relevant data on topography or elevation changes.