Topography
As a Noun
- The arrangement of natural and artificial physical features of an area, such as mountains, valleys, and rivers.
- The detailed mapping or study of the surface features of a region.
- The physical characteristics of a landscape, including elevation, slopes, and terrain types.
As Other Form
- Topographic (Adjective): Related to the shape, features, or mapping of land surfaces.
- Topographically (Adverb): In a way that relates to the physical features of an area.
Word History
The word topography comes from the Greek topos (place) and graphia (writing or description), meaning “the description of a place.” Originally used in geography and cartography, it now applies to various fields, including geology and urban planning.
Examples
- The topography of the region includes hills, lakes, and dense forests.
- The military studied the topography before planning their strategy.
- A topographic map shows elevation changes and land formations.
Synonyms
Landscape, terrain, geography, landform, contour
Related Words
Elevation, mapping, surface, structure
Antonyms
Flatness, uniformity, sameness