I have a bunch of Geological Survey maps, and they show elevations. But even the most detailed, I think it's 7.5° shows the elevation gradient that's hard to picture. You can look at it and say ok, it goes up xx feet from here to the top of that hill which doesn't help much if you can already see it. It doesn't give a feel for the landscape..
Your map can give you a feel for the terrain along your route before you start. More gooder.