This article introduces a method for attracting students’ interest in topography in a university architecture exercise. Although architecture is a field that requires knowledge and interest in topography, there are few opportunities to study Geomorphology in university architecture courses. Therefore, a class to observe and illustrate topography was conducted as a part of design-course exercises for first-year students in a university architecture department. For the class, a method suitable for architecture students was developed. They walked around the university campus with a topographic map and drew illustrations of the landscape in which topography is visible. The drawing process effectively allowed the students to observe, discover, and consider the relationship between topography and the actual landscape.

There is a growing interest in topography in urban areas. Historical transformations and development of a city are highly related to topographical features unique to the city and its location. More people now consider small-scale landforms as clues to interpret the city’s characteristics, features, and histories. There are many cases where landform types such as deltas, alluvial fans, fluvial terraces, and natural levees are deeply linked to the culture and lifestyle of people. This paper explores two perspectives for observing urban topography, using Edo/Tokyo as an example, to expand the realm of relevant knowledge. The first approach is an urban interpretation from the topographical viewpoint that will serve as basic research for future city planning and disaster control. In the latter approach, we take historical events without sufficient records and analyze such events from a topographical point of view to offer hypothetical interpretations. The importance of fieldwork as a method to interpret cities based on landforms is affirmed. Crossing disciplinary borders like this case study is expected to contribute to the further development and a deeper understanding of urban structure and histories in relation to topography.

Recently, interest in topography has been increasing among Japanese citizens, as seen in various publications and TV programs. This trend is related to the evolution and diversification of terrain representation on maps. By reviewing the historical transition of map expressions and the characteristics of various mapping methods, this paper considers the relationship between topography and maps, and discusses what kind of map expression is appropriate to characterize topography for not only scientists but also citizens.

The author has been developing “Kashmir 3D”, a software package for visualizing terrain and related applications. This paper first reviews the early history of topographical expression using PCs. Then the development of DEMs, indispensable for topographical expression using PCs, is summarized in relation to its influence on the development of Kashmir 3D. The author also developed a new terrain expression method, “super terrain expression”, which utilizes multiple topographic variables such as slope and curvature. The method and its application as an app for smartphones are explained. In addition, the features of another application for terrain representation using technologies such as AR are introduced.

Geomorphology education forms a part of formal education, but is rarely a part of non-formal or informal education in Japan. The uniform geomorphology education in schools throughout Japan prevents students from learning about geomorphology in their local areas. Understanding the geomorphology of surrounding residential areas is crucial for protecting against natural disasters, connecting with nature, and establishing a sustainable society. Improving non-formal and informal education in geomorphology will increase the opportunities to learn about regional landforms. Highquality geomorphological experiments can stimulate citizens to have further interest in landforms.