Meaning & use

topography

noun·Advanced

The detailed physical features of a place, including its shape, elevation, and natural landmarks.

See it in a sentence

The map showed the region's topography using contour lines to mark hills.

Engineers studied the site's topography before designing the new highway.

A note on using this word

"Topography" is common in mapmaking and geography, while "terrain" is more general and practical.

Words with a similar meaning

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