to·pog·ra·phy

noun /təˈpägrəfē/ topographies, plural The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area - the topography of the island A detailed description or representation on a map of such features The distribution of parts or features on the surface of or within an organ or organism An objective of topography is to determine the position of any feature or more generally any point in terms of both a horizontal coordinate system such as latitude, longitude, and altitude. Identifying features and recognising typical landform patterns are also part of the field. A topographic study may be made for a variety of reasons: military planning and geological exploration have been primary motivators to start survey programs, but detailed information about terrain and surface features is essential for the planning and construction of any major civil engineering,public works, or reclamation projects.