In social studies, elevation can be used to understand how different geographic regions have been shaped and developed by human societies. For example, some civilizations have been built on high ground to take advantage of defensive benefits or to escape harsh weather conditions. Others have developed in river valleys or coastal areas to facilitate transportation and trade.
Elevation can also have significant effects on the type of vegetation that can grow in a region, which in turn can support different populations of animals and affect human activities such as agriculture and hunting.
By understanding the elevation of different regions, social scientists can gain insights into how geography influences the development of human societies and the distribution of resources across the globe.