What does topography specifically refer to?

Topography specifically refers to the physical layout of terrain, which includes the arrangement of natural and artificial features on the earth's surface. This encompasses various aspects such as mountains, valleys, hills, plains, and bodies of water. Understanding topography is crucial for fields such as geography, environmental science, and urban planning, as it affects climate, human settlement, and land use. By focusing on the physical characteristics of the landscape, topography provides insights into how the environment influences human activity and natural phenomena.