Topography refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It encompasses the study of the terrain, including the hills, valleys, rivers, and roads, as well as the position and elevation of various features on the Earth's surface. Understanding topography is essential for activities such as land use planning, environmental studies, and outdoor navigation.
The word "topography" comes from the Greek words "topos," meaning "place," and "graphía," meaning "description." Thus, it essentially means "description of a place."