Figure 5.2 provides topographic and profile perspectives. Although the canal has been expanded since this map was created, it provides an effective visualization of the challenges the topography posed.
Source: CP Gray, Central Novelty Company, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1911_Aeronautical_view_of_the_Panama_Canal,_by_C._P._Gray,_Central_Novelty_Company,_from_the_Digital_Commonwealth_-_commonwealth_4m90fk088.jpg
This work is in the Public Domain.