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 man-made 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 man-made 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

• 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

Its layered composition evokes the contours of coral reefs and coastal topography. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

This cordless robotic pool cleaner nimbly adapted to every surface and topography of our tester’s pool, grabbing leaves and other debris with expert precision. —Madison Yauger, People.com, 7 July 2025

The two areas have significant differences in topography and flood timing that made the flooding in Kerr County much more deadly, but Boyter attributed his town’s success in part to the warning sirens. —Curt Devine, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

And though there are 80 official trails in Big Bend National Park that explore all the unique topography of the park from mountains to flatlands, the Lost Mine Trail is arguably one of the park’s most rewarding hikes. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 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

15th century, 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