Terán

Terén is a term used in geography and related fields to denote the physical ground surface and overland features of a given area. It encompasses natural landforms such as valleys, hills, plateaus, and coastlines, as well as man-made surfaces like roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. The concept covers slope, elevation, soil and rock types, drainage, vegetation cover, and roughness, all of which influence how the terrain behaves and how humans can interact with it.

The word is widely used in several languages to refer to terrain or ground and is generally derived from Latin terra through European linguistic traditions.

In practice, terrain is categorized by factors such as elevation, slope steepness, and surface roughness. Common classifications include flat to gently undulating terrain, hilly or mountainous terrain, coastal or riverine terrain, and urban or industrial terrain. Terrain conditions affect construction feasibility, transportation planning, and land-use decisions, as well as risk assessments for natural hazards like landslides, floods, and earthquake shaking amplification.

Measurements rely on topographic data, maps, and models. Topographic maps and digital elevation models (DEMs) provide elevation and slope information, while remote sensing and field surveys supply land cover and soil data. Terrain analysis is a core component of geography, urban planning, civil engineering, ecology, and military operations, guiding decisions from route planning to resource management.