The book encompasses a wide range of topics on practical geography taught to the B.A./B.Sc. students of Indian universities. Numerous examples and diagrams have been included in the text with the sole aim of enabling the students to have a comprehensive grasp of the subject. Attempt has also been made to present a well-balanced treatment of each topic. Topics like measurement of ground areas from maps, determination of class-interval for choropleth maps, representation of agricultural, industrial and transport data, choice of map projections, interpretation of topo-sheets, etc., have been included in this book and discussed in detail. Books treating various aspects of practical geography need regular up-dates. Therefore, the latest available material has been used to update this edition. Guidance of learned college and university teachers has enabled the author to present the subject-matter clearly and accurately. It is hoped that in addition to developing a keen interest for practical geography, it will form the basis for a more advanced study of the subject among the students.

This book gives a comprehensive overview of all relevant elements in topography and their practical application. It elaborates on the classical representation of terrain on maps such as cartographic projections, together with their classification, scale, and geographical elements. It is richly illustrated with photographs, maps and figures, in which the theoretical explanations are clarified. Readers will become acquainted with the physical characteristics of the ground, i.e. tectonic and erosive shapes, the importance and classification of terrain, genetic (fluvial, abrasive, glacial, karst) and topographic types such as higher (mountains, hills, peaks) and lower terrain (valleys, fields). In addition, the book discusses cartometry and coordinate systems, orientation in space (geographic, topographic, tactical) including by means of maps, instruments and the night sky and elaborates new techniques and technologies such as aerial photogrammetric imagery, global navigation satellite systems and LiDAR. The book also includes methods for the practical execution of concrete measurement operations, such as determining position and movement on land with maps, compass and azimuth which makes it especially useful for practitioners and professionals, e.g., for landscape planning, military exercises, mountaineering, nature walks etc. As such it offers a valuable guide not only for undergraduate students but also for researchers in the fields of geography, geosciences, geodesy, ecology, forestry and related areas looking for an overview on topography. Uniquely, the book also features an extensive glossary of topographical terms.