'topography' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'topographia,' where 'topos' meant 'place' and 'graphia' meant 'writing or description.'

'topographia' transformed into the Latin word 'topographia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'topography' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a description of a place,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the arrangement of physical features of an area.'