C++ Topographic Maps with OpenGL

I've done my studying, and I read through a lot of the Stackoverflow questions that were answered on the topic, but I did not come across anything, here or on the internet, that could give me the extra push. I've read on the subject enough that if I put in the time, I could definitely make it, but it feels like I am missing something, and my lack of knowledge on the subject motivates me to ask you, fellow programmers, as your collective knowledge exceeds mine.

I want to use noise to generate terrain, but instead of drawing it in 3D, I wish to use it as a 2D military map, with contour lines and everything. The contour lines are important because I'd like to use them to draw efficient and believable roads on the map, and houses, etc. I'd be using a custom engine and my own libraries, other than libnoise or similar noise libraries, and of course, openGL. The purpose of this project is for me to learn this stuff, instead of using finished tools.

I am using standard C++, but I am also considering using C++11, so don't hold back!

EDIT: For clarification, any online resource I missed on drawing topographic maps with C++ is welcome as are any straight answers regarding methods of accomplishing my goals.