What type of map shows the elevation of an area through colors or shading?

The type of map that shows the elevation of an area through colors or shading is known as a relief map. Relief maps are specifically designed to represent the physical landscape, highlighting variations in elevation by using different colors or shading techniques. This allows for a visual understanding of the terrain, such as mountains, valleys, and plains.

While topographic maps also depict elevation, they do so primarily through contour lines rather than colors or shading. Political maps show boundaries and major cities without indicating physical characteristics like elevation. Climate maps illustrate weather patterns and conditions rather than topography. Thus, a relief map is the best choice for representing elevation using visual color differentiation.