Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a topographical graph are provided. A computer-implemented method for providing a topographical graph includes accessing, by a computer processor, road map data associated with a geographic area, and accessing, by the computer processor, elevation data associated with the geographic area. The computer processor references the elevation data to determine points at which there is a change in incline along roads in the geographic area. The topographical graph is constructed, with the points defining nodes in the topographical graph, and arcs between the nodes representing road segments having a substantially constant degree of incline. Further provided are methods for determining levels of perceived exertion in traversing arcs, and for optimizing travel routes for minimal perceived exertion.