Topographs

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Detailed charts or maps that show the shape, elevation and physical features of land ; to survey and record the contours and landmarks of a particular area
2. Maps that depict the relief and surface features of ground in fine detail ; to chart the hills, valleys and other natural features of a region
3. Graphic representations of the elevation and landforms of a district ; to produce a careful record of the surface features of a place

Etymology: "Topographs" is simply the plural of "topograph," a noun for an instrument or image that records the features of a place. The word is built from "topo-," a combining form drawn from Greek "topos," meaning "place," and "-graph," from Greek "graphein," meaning "to write" or "to draw." A topograph is therefore something that writes or draws a place, which fits the word's use for a map-like depiction of the lie of the land.

Synonyms: map, chart