Topographical: meaning, definitions and examples

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topographical

[ˌtɒpəˈɡræfɪkl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

study of land features

Relating to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.

Synonyms

geographical, terrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
topographical	Best used when referring to the detailed mapping or representation of the physical features of an area. It is often used in contexts involving maps, surveys, and studies of landforms. The topographical map highlighted the intricate network of rivers and mountains. Topographical surveys are essential for planning construction projects.
geographical	Used when discussing the natural features, location, and phenomena of the Earth's surface. It is a broad term that can encompass physical, cultural, political, and economic aspects. Geographical studies can reveal important insights into climate change. She is fascinated by the geographical distribution of languages.
terrain	Best used when referring to the physical characteristics or features of a specific piece of land, especially when considering its suitability for certain activities like hiking or military operations. The rugged terrain made the hike extremely challenging. Military strategies often consider the terrain before launching an operation.

Word

Description / Examples

topographical

Best used when referring to the detailed mapping or representation of the physical features of an area. It is often used in contexts involving maps, surveys, and studies of landforms.

The topographical map highlighted the intricate network of rivers and mountains.
Topographical surveys are essential for planning construction projects.

geographical

Used when discussing the natural features, location, and phenomena of the Earth's surface. It is a broad term that can encompass physical, cultural, political, and economic aspects.

Geographical studies can reveal important insights into climate change.
She is fascinated by the geographical distribution of languages.

terrain

Best used when referring to the physical characteristics or features of a specific piece of land, especially when considering its suitability for certain activities like hiking or military operations.

The rugged terrain made the hike extremely challenging.
Military strategies often consider the terrain before launching an operation.

Examples of usage

The map provides a topographical view of the region.
Scientists use topographical data to analyze the landscape.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

map features

A detailed description or representation of the features of a specific area, such as mountains, rivers, and roads.

Synonyms

cartographic, geographic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
topographical	Use this word when referring to the detailed mapping or charting of the features of an area. It often focuses on the physical features such as land elevations, mountains, and valleys. The topographical map helped the hikers navigate through the mountains. Topographical surveys are crucial for urban planning.
cartographic	This word is appropriate when referring specifically to the creation and study of maps. It is often used in a more professional or academic context related to map-making. The cartographic representation of the island is very detailed. Advancements in digital technology have revolutionized cartographic methods.
geographic	Geographic is a broad term used when discussing the physical or cultural features of the Earth, including the location of countries, cities, rivers, and other significant elements. We studied the geographic distribution of different species. Her research focuses on the geographic variation in climate.

Word

Description / Examples

topographical

Use this word when referring to the detailed mapping or charting of the features of an area. It often focuses on the physical features such as land elevations, mountains, and valleys.

The topographical map helped the hikers navigate through the mountains.
Topographical surveys are crucial for urban planning.

cartographic

This word is appropriate when referring specifically to the creation and study of maps. It is often used in a more professional or academic context related to map-making.

The cartographic representation of the island is very detailed.
Advancements in digital technology have revolutionized cartographic methods.

geographic

Geographic is a broad term used when discussing the physical or cultural features of the Earth, including the location of countries, cities, rivers, and other significant elements.

We studied the geographic distribution of different species.
Her research focuses on the geographic variation in climate.

Examples of usage

The topographical map showed the elevation changes in the area.
Topographical maps are essential for hikers and geographers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Greek roots: 'topos' meaning 'place' and 'graphia' meaning 'description'.
It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, coinciding with advancements in cartography.

Science

Topography is crucial in geology as it influences erosion, sediment transport, and water flow.
Understanding topography helps predict climate patterns, as elevation can affect weather conditions.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use topographical data to analyze land use and urban development.

Art and Maps

Topographical maps are a type of map that uses contour lines to show changes in elevation clearly.
Artists have used topographical themes in their work to illustrate the relationship between nature and humanity.
Historical topographical maps reveal how landscapes have changed over time due to human activity and natural events.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, topographical features like mountains and rivers hold spiritual significance and are part of local folklore.
Indigenous mapping practices often include topographical elements to convey stories and knowledge of the land.

Technology

Modern technology has made it easier to create topographical maps using satellites and drones, providing detailed 3D landscapes.
Topographical data is vital for urban planning, helping architects and city planners design sustainable communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "topographical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 topográfico

🇮🇳 स्थलाकृतिक

🇩🇪 topographisch

🇮🇩 topografis

🇺🇦 топографічний

🇵🇱 topograficzny

🇯🇵 地形の

🇫🇷 topographique

🇪🇸 topográfico

🇹🇷 topografik

🇰🇷 지형학의

🇸🇦 طبوغرافي

🇨🇿 topografický

🇸🇰 topografický

🇨🇳 地形的

🇸🇮 topografski

🇮🇸 landfræðilegur

🇰🇿 топографиялық

🇬🇪 ტოპოგრაფიული

🇦🇿 topoqrafik

🇲🇽 topográfico

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,648, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14645 parson
14646 mover
14647 fern
14648 topographical
14649 etiquette
14650 secluded
14651 consummated
...