Derives from the Greek word topos (place) and graphia (writing). Topography includes elevation and terrain features: slopes, mountains, valleys, rivers, plains.. etc. and is constantly evolving from natural processes like erosion, weathering, and disasters (plate tectonics, volcanoes, landslides).
It is essentially the study of forms and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area may refer to landforms and features themselves, or a description or depiction in maps.Within forestry, in combination of landscape profiles you can help yourself predict species composition of the forest or navigate locating specific species.

Gentle lower slope → deeper soils

Often well-drained but retains moisture. Deep soils support nutrient-demanding, taller species.
Sugar Maple
Eastern White Pine
Yellow Birch
American Beech

Steep upper slope → erosion risk.
Thin soils, fast runoff. Shallow-rooted or pioneer species that can stabilize soil, survive harsher conditions.
Red Oak
White Oak
Jack Pine
Trembling Aspen

North-facing slope → cooler, moister.
Less sun equals longer snow retention, cooler soil. Shade-tolerant, moisture-loving species that prefer a cooler, more humid microclimate:
Hemlock
Balsam Fir
Sugar Maple.

South-facing slope → warmer, drier.
More sun means faster snowmelt, drier soil. Sun-loving, drought-tolerant species. Tolerates warmer, drier microclimates:
Red Pine
White Pine
Black Oak

Bench → productive site, good access with safe, productive, minimal erosion risk.
Flat or gently sloping equals often deeper soil, easy to harvest
High-value species for growth/harvest:
Sugar maple
Red oak
Eastern white pine

Stream valley → moisture accumulation, sensitive area.
Wet soils, periodic flooding equals specialized species that tolerate fluctuating water levels. Species adapted to wet soils:
Red maple
Black ash
Balsam poplar
Willow

Big picture takeaway:
Slope + aspect + micro-topography = site template
You can almost “predict the forest” without even touching a tree if you understand the topo and soil cues