Topography is the name geographers and cartographers give to the natural and artificial physical features of an area. These features can be landforms such as mountains, plains, or canyons. They can also be bodies of water like lakes or rivers.

This set of images explores the role topography has played in history. Review each image and description. Be sure to pay close attention to the way the different topography either aided or encumbered communication, settlement, or trade.