Relief

Relief is a term used across disciplines to denote both alleviation of distress and a set of physical concepts relating to surface form. In everyday use, relief refers to the easing of pain, worry, or hardship, such as relief from symptoms, financial relief, or relief after a disaster. Humanitarian relief describes aid provided to alleviate suffering in emergencies.

In geography and cartography, relief describes the variation in elevation and the three-dimensional shape of the terrain. It encompasses mountains, valleys, plateaus, and plains. Relief is depicted on maps through contour lines, shading, and color, and is expressed as the difference between the highest and lowest points in a given area.

In art and sculpture, relief is a method in which forms are raised above a background plane. In bas-relief, the projection is shallow; in high relief, figures stand out more prominently; sunken relief features the design carved into the surface. Relief sculpture has been used extensively in architecture, coins, and decorative programs.

In printmaking and manufacturing, relief refers to a raised surface that transfers ink or is used as a mold.

Relief work also refers to humanitarian or logistical aid, including temporary housing, food, and medical care provided to victims of disasters, wars, or poverty.