Which type of map depicts major land formations and bodies of water?

A physical map is designed specifically to showcase the natural landscape of an area, illustrating major land formations such as mountains, hills, and plains, as well as bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans. These maps use color gradients and shading to indicate elevation and depth, helping the viewer to visualize the terrain of the region.

In contrast, political maps primarily focus on boundaries, governmental units, and the locations of cities and towns without emphasizing natural features. Thematic maps are used to convey specific data or themes such as climate, population density, or economic activities, and do not necessarily highlight physical features. Topographic maps also depict landforms but include more detailed information on elevation changes and landforms using contour lines, which may not be the primary focus compared to a physical map. Therefore, the identification of major land formations and bodies of water is most accurately represented by a physical map.