Topo (climbing)
In climbing, a topo 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 as well as the traditional topo information. Some hand-drawn topos by the climber who completed the first ascent of important new routes are notable.
Description
The term "topo" means "topographical" information, which has historically meant showing the climber not just the basic line of the route, but also the key rock features that defined the route. This would help to guide the climbers along the route and also to prepare them for the specific types of technical challenges that lay ahead. Such topological features include cracks, overhangs and roofs, slabs, and dihedrals.Modern topos for single-pitch climbing routes, tend to be limited to photographs on which the line of the route is overlaid, and are often presented in groups where multiple routes are shown for a given section on a single photograph for a section of the rock face. Such topos assume that the climber can inspect the route from below and will be aware of the main obstacles that lay ahead.
Long climbing routes, such as those found in multi-pitch climbing, big wall climbing, and alpine climbing, have far more detailed topos, so that the climbers don't veer off the route, and so that they are aware of important belaying, abseiling, and portaledge/bivouac points. The topos of longer routes also provide detailed information on the variations in the technical grade of each pitch of the route, the availability of climbing protection, as well as options and variations on the route.
Symbols
Topos often use standardized symbols or icons to represent the features and obstacles along the route. A notable example are the UIAA recommended symbols that were proposed for use in guidebooks, particularly for long alpine and big wall climbing routes. The UIAA list includes over 30 standardized symbols that cover a range of important information for any climbing route, and they are still in use today.Other climbing guidebook publishers, have also developed their own customized symbols and icons that they use to augment their topo diagrams and photographs.