topography

noun

to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpä-grə-fē 

1

a

: the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and constructed features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations

b

: topographical surveying

2

a

: the configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and constructed features

b

: the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships

the topography of human chromosomes

the political topography of our time

Did you know?

Topography combines top- with graph-, a root meaning "write" or "describe". The topography of the Sahara Desert features shifting sand dunes and dry, rocky mountains. A topographic (or topo) map not only shows the surface features of a region but also indicates the contours and approximate altitude of every location, by means of numerous curving lines, each indicating a single elevation. In other words, it shows a "three-dimensional" picture on a two-dimensional surface. Topo maps are commonly used by hikers, surveyors, government workers, and engineers, among other people.

Synonyms of topography

• geography
• landscape
• terrain

Examples of topography in a Sentence

a map of the topography of the coastline shows a significant loss of wetlands

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond cost, Purple Line development will face a high degree of difficulty because of the topography of mesas and valleys. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

In regions where impact craters or billions of years of erosion had distorted the ancient landscape, the researchers inferred how rivers once flowed by examining topography and the orientations of surrounding valleys, the study notes. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Grayl is so proud of its Seattle base, outdoor kit like the GeoPress Ti has the Puget Sound topography stylishly laser-etched onto the titanium. —Simon Heptinstall december 11, New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025

Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region inspires immersion in its varied topography and wildlife. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English topographie, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek, from topographein to describe a place, from topos place + graphein to write — more at carve

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for topography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Kids Definition

topography

noun

to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē 

1

: the art or practice of showing on maps or charts the heights and depths of the features of a place

2

: the shape and height and depth of the features of a place

Medical Definition

topography

noun

to·​pog·​ra·​phy tə-ˈpäg-rə-fē 

plural topographies

1

: the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships

the topography of the abdomen

the topography (size and fluorescent staining intensity) of human chromosomes

—Science News

2

: regional anatomy