The steps involved in describing a plain from the map are:
- Name the plain and locate it on the map (continent, part, country).
- Determine its approximate length from north to south and west to east in degrees and kilometers.
- Determine its position relative to other objects (rivers, seas).
- Determine the average and maximum absolute heights.
- Determine the relief character (flat, hilly, etc.).
- Determine the direction of river flow to understand the direction of relief lowering.
- Identify major rivers, lakes, and cities located on the plain.