What term refers to the natural and artificial surface features of land?

The term that best describes the natural and artificial surface features of land is topography. This encompasses the arrangement and shape of the earth's surface, including various landforms, elevations, and how they relate to one another. Topography involves understanding the physical characteristics of a terrain, such as hills, valleys, and man-made modifications like buildings and roads. It is essential in fields such as architecture, landscape design, and urban planning, as it influences design decisions, drainage patterns, and the relationship between structures and their environment.

Geology, while related, refers specifically to the study of the earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that shape it, rather than the surface features alone. Elevation denotes the height of a point above a reference level, typically sea level, but does not encompass the broader concept of land features. Landscape generally refers to the visible features of an area, but it may not specifically address the detailed topographical characteristics like topography does.