topography
n. uncountablen. the physical shape and features of an area of land. It describes things like hills, valleys, and rivers on a map.
n. the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. Often refers to the detailed mapping or charting of these features.
The topography of the region makes farming difficult.
Engineers must study the local topography before they can plan the new highway route through the mountains.
The rugged topography of the island, characterized by steep volcanic cliffs and dense rainforest, prevented early explorers from establishing permanent settlements far from the coast.
First attested in 1432. From Middle English topographye, from Latin topographia, from Ancient Greek τοπογραφία (topographía), from τόπος (tópos, “place”) + γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).
Often used in the singular; frequently paired with 'of' to describe a specific region.