A map that serves to show the location of features is which type of map?

A map that serves to show the location of features is classified as a reference map. Reference maps are designed primarily to provide general information about the location of various features across a geographic area. They display both natural features, such as rivers and mountains, and human-made features, such as roads and cities, without emphasizing any specific theme.

The essential characteristic of a reference map is its goal of providing a clear and accurate depiction of the spatial relationships and locations of various geographic elements. This type of map is invaluable for navigation and orientation, as it helps users identify where different features are situated in relation to one another.

While other types of maps, such as thematic maps, focus on specific subjects or themes (like population density, climate, etc.), their primary purpose differs from that of reference maps. Political maps, which illustrate political boundaries and territories, and topographic maps, which portray elevation and landforms, also do not serve primarily to show general locations of features without a specific focus. These distinctions reinforce the reason why reference maps are the correct answer in this context.