topography

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'topography' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the physical features of an area, including the surface relief, elevation, and soil composition. For example: "The topography of this region is quite varied, with hills, valleys, and rivers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their design ingeniously mapped a geometric plan of key buildings and main avenues on to the existing topography of mountains, hills and the river.

The Guardian

The cause is attributed to an optical illusion caused by the surrounding topography.

The Guardian - Travel

The Amalfi Coast and its environs are spectacularly beautiful and full of historical interest, but also very crowded in the high season, and the topography pushes people even closer together.

The Guardian - Travel

Most of the Brazilian architects who competed to design Brasilia ignored the site's topography completely.The best example of native pig-headedness, however, must be Peter the Great of Russia, who founded St Petersburg in the most barren, swampy, freezing, remote and indefensible corner of his huge empire.

The Economist

The robot would simply be told to maintain a safe working distance and swim back and forth, using its sonar scanners to generate an image of the hull's topography.

The Economist

The resulting estimate for wind speed in a particular location can then be converted into an estimate of electricity generation using a power curve, based on the capabilities of specific turbines.A big challenge for NWP in wind prediction is that local variations in topography or terrain can produce large variations in wind resources over relatively small areas.

The Economist

This time, Pakistani officials say that nothing, not even the treacherous topography of the border with China, will be allowed to get in the way.

The Economist

The Garden of Eden was a real place, just as Adam was a real man.Such maps depicted paradise as imaginatively and confidently as they did earthly topography.

The Economist

THE TOPOGRAPHY OF the Gulf of Mexico's coastline might have been designed for the hydrocarbons business.

The Economist

The Athenians were driven by the dictates of trade to create first a powerful navy and then an empire.Though Greek agriculture was rich in highly exportable wine and olive oil, thin soil, low rainfall and a mountainous topography made it impossible for farmers to produce enough grain for a growing and increasingly city-based population.

The Economist

The local worry stems in part from the uncomfortable topography of Futenma itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a region, use "topography" to refer to its surface features, elevation, and arrangement of natural and man-made attributes. For example, 'the topography of the Himalayas is characterized by high mountain ranges and deep valleys'.

Common error

Avoid using "topography" interchangeably with "geography". "Topography" specifically refers to the surface features of an area, while "geography" encompasses a broader range of elements, including climate, population, and resources.

Linguistic Context

The word "topography" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the detailed physical features of an area, including its elevations and surface configurations. Ludwig provides numerous examples in which "topography" describes geographical attributes, both literally and, at times, metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topography" is a noun referring to the detailed physical features of an area, crucial in geography, geology, and environmental studies. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. The word is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific discussions. While often confused with related terms like geography and terrain, "topography" specifically describes surface features and elevation. Remember to use it accurately to enhance the precision and clarity of your writing, avoiding overuse as a substitute for the more expansive 'geography'. Its frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its importance in describing landscapes and regions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrain

Focuses more on the physical character of the land.

surface features

Highlights the observable aspects of the ground.

geography

Broader term encompassing physical and human aspects.

landform

Specific features like mountains or valleys.

contour

Emphasizes the outline and shape of the land.

landscape

Focuses on the visual appearance of an area.

relief

Highlights the variations in elevation.

lay of the land

Idiomatic expression for the general arrangement of features.

earth's surface

General term for the outer layer of the planet.

geological formation

Emphasizes the underlying structure of the land.

FAQs

How can I use "topography" in a sentence?

You can use "topography" to describe the physical features of a landscape. For example, "The island's varied topography includes volcanic peaks and sandy beaches."

What's the difference between "topography" and "terrain"?

"Topography" is the detailed mapping or description of the surface features of an area, while "terrain" refers to the actual physical characteristics of the land. The topography provides information about the terrain.

What can I say instead of "topography"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "terrain", "surface features", or "landscape" to describe the physical features of an area.

Is it correct to use "topography" when discussing political landscapes?

While primarily used to describe physical landscapes, "topography" can be used metaphorically to describe the structure or features of other complex systems, such as a political or social landscape. However, ensure the context is appropriate.