Which of the following options is a benefit of using topographic maps in remote sensing?

Using topographic maps in remote sensing offers significant benefits, particularly in understanding spatial relationships. These maps depict a three-dimensional representation of the terrain, illustrating elevation changes and geographic features such as mountains, valleys, and bodies of water. By providing detailed information about the shape and contours of the land, topographic maps allow for a better comprehension of how various geographical elements interact with each other. This understanding is essential for applications such as land-use planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development, where knowing the terrain's configuration directly influences decision-making.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of topographic maps in remote sensing. While they may have their own individual merits, they are not relevant to the capabilities and advantages offered by topographic maps. For example, real-time weather forecasts pertain more to meteorological data rather than terrain information; measuring ocean currents falls within oceanographic studies; and economic development indicators might involve different types of analyses that are separate from topographical interpretations. Hence, understanding spatial relationships through topographic maps is the key benefit they provide in the realm of remote sensing.