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

The research, conducted by Francois Berkmans, Ludovic Nys, and Maxence Bigerelle, focuses on how surface metrology—essentially, the texture and topography of a painting’s brushstrokes—can be used like a fingerprint to zero in on the authorship of a particular artwork. —Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 11 June 2026

Attendees can learn about fire behavior prediction and apply this knowledge to the community’s unique topography, fuels, weather and fire safe challenges, including how to best protect homes from wildfires. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

With elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, the varied topography of the forest provides a vast playground suited for every season. —Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

That means visitors can enjoy the otherworldly topography and clear night skies with fewer crowds. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026

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