Topo (climbing)

Examples of topos

Basic topo of the big wall climbing routes on the north face of the Cima Ovest of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Graphical topo for multi-pitch sport route L'explosion des Calcanéums, 230m, 6-pitches, 6a+ (5.10b)^[1]

In climbing, a topo (short for topology) is a graphical representation of a climbing route. Topos range from a photograph of the climb on which the line of the route is overlaid, to a detailed diagram of the key features and challenges of the climb, which are typically represented as standardized UIAA topo symbols.

Climbing guidebooks compile topos for routes at a crag or in a climbing area. Online climbing databases and apps merge detailed beta (i.e. how to overcome the hardest challenges) as well as the traditional topo information. Some hand-drawn topos by the climber(s) who completed the first ascent of important new routes are notable.