**Topography** refers to the physical features and characteristics of the surface of the Earth or any other celestial body. It is a branch of geography that focuses on the study and description of landforms, including mountains, valleys, plains, hills, and other natural and artificial features.

**Components of Topography:**

1. **Elevation**: Elevation refers to the height above sea level of a specific point on the Earth's surface. It is usually measured in meters or feet and is represented on topographic maps using contour lines.

2. **Relief**: Relief describes the variation in elevation within a specific area. It indicates the difference between the highest and lowest points in a region, such as the steepness of slopes, the presence of cliffs, or the depth of valleys.

3. **Slope**: Slope refers to the inclination or steepness of a piece of land. It is measured as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal distance and is expressed as a percentage or an angle in degrees.

4. **Landforms**: Landforms are the natural features that make up the Earth's surface. They include mountains, hills, plateaus, valleys, plains, canyons, and various other formations shaped by geological processes such as erosion, deposition, and tectonic activity.

**Methods of Topographic Representation:**

1. **Contour Lines**: Contour lines are one of the primary methods used to represent topography on maps. They are lines connecting points of equal elevation. By following these lines, one can visualize the shape of the land and understand its relief.

2. **Shaded Relief Maps**: Shaded relief maps use variations in color or shading to represent the elevation and relief of an area. Darker regions indicate lower elevations, while lighter areas represent higher elevations. This technique provides a three-dimensional effect, making it easier to interpret the topography.

3. **Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)**: DEMs are digital representations of the Earth's surface, created using data collected from various sources such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and ground surveys. These models contain elevation data for each point on the surface and can be used to generate topographic maps, analyze slope and aspect, and perform other geospatial analyses.

In conclusion, topography is a comprehensive study of the physical features and characteristics of the Earth's surface. It encompasses elevation, relief, slope, and various landforms. Topographic representation methods like contour lines, shaded relief maps, and digital elevation models aid in understanding and analyzing the Earth's topography.

The topest part of the earth surface is called topography