hypsography

1. 1. The scientific study of the earth's topologic configuration above sea level, especially the measurement and mapping of land elevations.
   2. A representation or description of the earth's topologic features above sea level, as on a map.
2. Hypsometry.

The study of landforms and processes in physical geography.

The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: the scientific study of the earth's configuration above sea level (emphasizing the measurement of land altitudes relative to sea level)

Meaning #2: measurement of the elevation of land above sea level
  Synonym: hypsometry

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Elevation. (Discuss)

Hypsography studies the distribution of elevations on the surface of the Earth, and is sometimes applied to other rocky planets such as Mars or Venus. The term originates from the Greek word ὕψος "hypsos" meaning height. Most often it is used only in reference to elevation of land but a complete description of Earth's solid surface requires a description of the seafloor as well. Related to the term hypsometry, the measurement of these elevations of a planet's solid surface are taken relative to mean datum, except for Earth which is taken relative to the sea level.

Hypsography of the Earth. Notice that Earth has two peaks in elevation, one for the continents, the other for the ocean floors.

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)