Topography (Greek: τόπος, topos, “place”; γράφω, graphein, “write”) is the study of the shapes and features of land surfaces. The topographer studies the elevation of landforms and their relation to the surrounding environment.
A variety of tools are used in topography, including surveying instruments such as leveling rods and clinometers, as well as GPS receivers and laser rangefinders. Topographic mapping is also done using aerial photographs and satellite images.
Topography can be used for a variety of purposes, including planning for infrastructure development, assessing environmental impact, predicting landslide risk, and understanding Earth’s surface processes.
The word “topography” was first used in 1577 by Gerardus Mercator in his atlas of the world. It has since been adapted to refer to any detailed description or map of a place.