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'''Topography''' is the study of the shape and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area could refer to the surface shapes and features themselves, or a description (especially their depiction in maps).
== Topography ==


Topography is a field of geoscience and planetary science and is concerned with local detail in general, including not only relief but also natural and artificial features, and even local history and culture. This meaning is less common in the United States, where topographic maps with elevation contours have made "topography" synonymous with relief.
[[File:Topographic_map_example.png|thumb|A topographic map example.]]


Topography in a narrow sense involves the recording of relief or terrain, the three-dimensional quality of the surface, and the identification of specific landforms. This is also known as geomorphometry. In modern usage, this involves generation of elevation data in digital form (DEM). It is often considered to include the graphic representation of the landform on a map by a variety of techniques, including contour lines, hypsometric tints, and relief shading.
'''Topography''' refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It is a field of [[geoscience]] and [[planetary science]] concerned with the detailed mapping and description of the surface features of land. Topography involves the recording of relief or terrain, the three-dimensional quality of the surface, and the identification of specific landforms.


== Types of topography ==
== Etymology ==
Topography has been divided into the following types:
The term "topography" originates from the Greek words "topos" meaning "place" and "graphia" meaning "writing" or "description". It was first used in the context of detailed descriptions of places in ancient Greece.
* '''Physical topography''' is the type of topography that deals with the physical features of a particular region. This includes the mountains, rivers, vegetation, etc.
* '''Cultural topography''' is a type of topography that deals with the human-made or cultural aspects of a region. This includes roads, railways, buildings, etc.
* '''Urban topography''' is a type of topography that deals with the arrangement of buildings and streets in a city or town.
* '''Military topography''' is a type of topography that is used by the military to understand the terrain of a particular region.


== History ==
== History ==
The history of topography is closely related to the history of cartography, the making of maps. The first known maps come from ancient Babylon from the 17th century BC. The knowledge of the earth's shape and size was refined after the Greeks in the Hellenistic world created the science of geography in the 3rd century BC.
Historically, topography was a field of [[cartography]] and [[surveying]]. Early topographic maps were created by explorers and surveyors who would measure the land using tools like the [[theodolite]] and [[sextant]].


== See also ==
== Modern Topography ==
* [[Geography]]
 
* [[Cartography]]
[[File:Aster_newyorkcity_lrg.jpg|thumb|Topographic image of New York City.]]
* [[Geology]]
 
* [[Geomorphology]]
In modern times, topography is often conducted using [[remote sensing]] technologies such as [[satellite imagery]] and [[aerial photography]]. [[LIDAR]] and [[radar]] are also used to create detailed topographic maps. These technologies allow for the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs) that provide a three-dimensional representation of the terrain.
* [[Hydrography]]
 
* [[Landscape]]
== Applications ==
* [[Physical geography]]
Topography is crucial in various fields such as [[geology]], [[geography]], [[civil engineering]], and [[architecture]]. It is used in [[urban planning]], [[landscape architecture]], and [[environmental science]] to assess the suitability of land for various uses.
 
== Topographic Maps ==
 
[[File:Europe_topography_map.png|thumb|Topographic map of Europe.]]
 
Topographic maps are characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines. These maps are used for [[hiking]], [[mining]], [[civil engineering]], and [[military]] purposes.
 
== Surveying Techniques ==


== References ==
[[File:Vermessungspunkt.jpg|thumb|A survey marker used in topographic surveying.]]
<references />


== External links ==
Traditional surveying techniques involve the use of [[transits]], [[levels]], and [[total stations]]. Modern techniques include [[GPS]] and [[GIS]] technologies, which allow for more accurate and efficient data collection.
* [http://www.topography.com Official website]


[[Category:Geography]]
== Related Pages ==
[[Category:Cartography]]
* [[Cartography]]
[[Category:Geology]]
* [[Geography]]
[[Category:Geomorphology]]
* [[Geology]]
[[Category:Hydrography]]
* [[Remote sensing]]
[[Category:Landscape]]
[[Category:Physical geography]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Topography]]

Revision as of 00:36, 10 February 2025

Topography

A topographic map example.

Topography refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It is a field of geoscience and planetary science concerned with the detailed mapping and description of the surface features of land. Topography involves the recording of relief or terrain, the three-dimensional quality of the surface, and the identification of specific landforms.

Etymology

The term "topography" originates from the Greek words "topos" meaning "place" and "graphia" meaning "writing" or "description". It was first used in the context of detailed descriptions of places in ancient Greece.

History

Historically, topography was a field of cartography and surveying. Early topographic maps were created by explorers and surveyors who would measure the land using tools like the theodolite and sextant.

Modern Topography

Topographic image of New York City.

In modern times, topography is often conducted using remote sensing technologies such as satellite imagery and aerial photography. LIDAR and radar are also used to create detailed topographic maps. These technologies allow for the creation of digital elevation models (DEMs) that provide a three-dimensional representation of the terrain.

Applications

Topography is crucial in various fields such as geology, geography, civil engineering, and architecture. It is used in urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental science to assess the suitability of land for various uses.

Topographic Maps

Topographic map of Europe.

Topographic maps are characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines. These maps are used for hiking, mining, civil engineering, and military purposes.

Surveying Techniques

A survey marker used in topographic surveying.

Traditional surveying techniques involve the use of transits, levels, and total stations. Modern techniques include GPS and GIS technologies, which allow for more accurate and efficient data collection.

Related Pages

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