Topography

Definition of "Topography"

Written by

Sheila West

The Real Estate Collection

The meaning of topography defines the science of mapping a specific region’s physical features. In short, the topography describes an area’s characteristics, such as its contours, flatness, utilities, and mountainousness.

How topography connects with geodesy and surveying

The discipline of topography reveals particular features of a land’s surface, laying a landscape’s concrete foundation. Under such circumstances, topography studies mountains, rivers, valleys, hills, craters, and a region’s overall geographical features. You’ll find topography directly related to land surveying and geodesy. In its turn, geodesy is another fascinating scientific discipline evaluating our planet’s geometric shapes and gravity field.

In addition, the science of terrain relates closely to geography and land mapping systems, such as Geographic information systems.

The science of designing topographic maps

Topography mapping varies from country to country regarding standards and regulations. Typically, mapping agencies enjoy freedom in designing their specific maps. Topographers can regularly update their maps using aerial technology (UAV photogrammetry) and GPS. However, they will utilize total stations (more precisely, fieldwork to uncover a site’s one-of-a-kind geological aspects.)

Topographers surveyed their first USGS (US Geological Survey) topographic maps (or topo maps) in 1892. Ever since then, they have continuously been updating maps. The Geological Survey Office create charts of US geographic areas at 1:24,000, 1:63,360, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000. You must have encountered the so-called USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle series. They represented 24,000 inches of terrain in reality in one inch on the map.

Another illustrious topo map is the USGS - The North America Tapestry of Time and Terrain with a scale of 1:8,000,000. Imagine a tapestry representing a relief image and geologic map!

How do they apply topography to real estate?

A topo map or topographical survey (often referred to as a contour survey) identifies a property’s surface features. Additionally, it showcases natural elements and terrain elevations. A topographical survey is essentially a 3-D map featuring a property’s characteristics, for instance, dimension, location, and size.

When to request a topographical survey?

There are various instances when individuals, companies, and the local government can request a topographical survey. 

Topographical maps serve big-picture real estate development.

Let’s suppose a local government plans a residential area’s development. They wish to establish new buildings and enhance existing local infrastructure. Then, they commission a licensed surveyor to design a topographical map, including roads, sewer system, etc. For sure, a map would assist in establishing a cost estimate too.

Subsequently, the authorities will use surveys as the blueprint for new constructions and drainage projects, renovation of already erect structures, and utility designs. In addition, a local body may require examining a site’s conditions to, for instance, elevate it. 

Architects and civil engineers also frequently employ topographic maps and boundary surveys to reproduce designs of a property’s existing conditions. Often, a topo can shed light upon environmental threats for real estate developers.

Homeowners can also apply for a topographic survey.

Finally, individual homeowners can also benefit from a topo. If you wish to build your home or add a new construction on your real estate, a topographical map will assist you at the initial planning stage. You can obtain your area’s topographical map by contacting the neighborhood developer or the survey company. In the worst-case scenario, you can find the necessary information on the recorded plat upon buying vacant land.

Therefore, we can confirm that topographical surveys and maps are crucial in real estate development projects. We highly recommend it as an essential tip for new homebuyers. 

Contact local real estate agents if you wish to learn more about topographical maps!