What is the definition of a map?

A map is defined as a graphic representation of the earth's surface. This definition encapsulates the primary purpose of a map, which is to provide a visual depiction of geographical features, including landscapes, terrains, bodies of water, and human-made structures. Maps are valuable tools in navigation and orientation, allowing users to identify locations, determine distances, and understand the relationships between different areas.

While other options describe useful concepts, they do not accurately define a map in the same way. A three-dimensional model of terrain may represent physical characteristics but is not a graphic representation in the traditional sense. A navigation tool used for driving refers more specifically to a practical application of maps rather than the definition itself. A document showing land ownership pertains to legal aspects and does not encompass the broader geographical representation that maps provide.