topography

American  

[tuh-pog-ruh-fee] / təˈpɒg rə fi /

noun

topographies plural

1. the detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.

2. the detailed description, especially by means of surveying, of particular localities, as cities, towns, or estates.

3. the relief features or surface configuration of an area.

4. the features, relations, or configuration of a structural entity.

5. a schema of a structural entity, as of the mind, a field of study, or society, reflecting a division into distinct areas having a specific relation or a specific position relative to one another.

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topography British  

/ ˌtɒpəˈɡræfɪk, təˈpɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the study or detailed description of the surface features of a region

2. the detailed mapping of the configuration of a region

3. the land forms or surface configuration of a region

4. the surveying of a region's surface features

5. the study or description of the configuration of any object

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topography Scientific  

/ tə-pŏg′rə-fē /

1. The three-dimensional arrangement of physical attributes (such as shape, height, and depth) of a land surface in a place or region. Physical features that make up the topography of an area include mountains, valleys, plains, and bodies of water. Human-made features such as roads, railroads, and landfills are also often considered part of a region's topography.

2. The detailed description or drawing of the physical features of a place or region, especially in the form of contour maps.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• topographical
  adjective
• topographically
  adverb
• topographic
  adjective
• topographer
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• topographies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of topography

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English topographye, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek topographía; see topo-, -graphy

Explanation

Topography is a detailed map of the surface features of land. It includes the mountains, hills, creeks, and other bumps and lumps on a particular hunk of earth. This handy word is a Greek-rooted combo of topos meaning "place" and graphein, "to write." The suffix -graphy means writing or representation made in a specific way, and shows up in familiar words like photography, oceanography, or even geography, which is similar to topography, but refers to where things are, but not what's on top. Topography represents a particular area in detail, including everything natural and man-made — hills, valleys, roads, or lakes. It's the geographical contours of the land.

Example Sentences

"We knew my shot had hit the flag, but because of the green's topography we couldn't see the base of the pin," said Rob.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

“This flexible topography creates an ideal canvas for new construction, guest structures, expansion, or a reimagined modern compound while capitalizing on the exceptional privacy and positioning.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

We had chosen Malhamdale because its limestone topography is considered the most stunning of the Dales.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The study, "Channelized topography amplifies melt-sensitivity of cold Antarctic ice shelves," was published in the journal Nature Communications.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Depending on numerous factors, such as topography and psychology, the riflemen carried anywhere from 12 to 20 magazines, usually in cloth bandoliers, adding on another 8.4 pounds at minimum, 14 pounds at maximum.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Related Words

• contour