topographic

American  

[top-uh-graf-ik] / ˌtɒp əˈgræf ɪk /

Also topographical

adjective

1. of or relating to the topography or surface features of a relatively small area or locality; showing or describing these features.

   Trail Guides offer info on hiking trails, with a topographic map on one side and trail details on the back.

2. of, relating to, or describing the features, relations, or configuration of a structural entity, as of the mind, a field of study, etc..

   Large color drawings show the topographic anatomy of the entire body, including the bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes.

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Other Word Forms

• nontopographical adjective
• nontopographically adverb
• topographically adverb
• untopographical adjective
• untopographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of topographic

First recorded in 1610–20; from Greek topographikós “pertaining to topography”; topography ( def. ), -ic

Example Sentences

The separation between Mars's northern and southern terrains is especially prominent in topographic and context maps.

From Science Daily

The researchers evaluated the accuracy of their maps by comparing them with other existing topographic models, looking for discrepancies or errors in lunar surface features.

From Science Daily

Atmospheric simulations, for example, must account for complex variables such as temperature changes and air turbulence under different topographic conditions.

From Science Daily

These similarities are despite any differences in glacial history, background topographic steepness, annual precipitation, and other factors that would otherwise govern the push and pull of water and land, the researchers report.

From Science Daily

You can clearly see these on a topographic map as circles or ovals that have small lines pointing to the center of the circle or oval.

From Seattle Times