What is indicated by a topographic survey?

A topographic survey primarily focuses on representing the three-dimensional characteristics of the land, which includes elevation changes, slopes, and the contour lines that illustrate these variations in terrain. This kind of survey is essential for understanding how the land's features may impact construction and other planning activities.

Choosing this option highlights the fact that these surveys typically depict contour lines without providing detailed information about structures on the site. This is crucial for projects that require an understanding of the landform itself, such as grading, drainage planning, and landscape design.

Contour lines indicate the elevation at different points, demonstrating the rise and fall of the terrain, which is invaluable for engineers and architects when designing any interventions in the landscape. The lack of structural details emphasizes the focus of a topographic survey on landform rather than human-made elements, aligning well with the definition and purpose of this type of surveying work.