Which practice is used for mapping water bodies and their features?

Hydrography is the practice specifically focused on mapping water bodies and their associated features. This discipline involves the study and depiction of the physical characteristics of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, and includes details like depth, shoreline configuration, and the nature of the surrounding environment. Hydrographic surveys produce nautical charts and other representations that are crucial for navigation, resource management, and environmental protection.

In contrast, geology primarily deals with the Earth’s solid materials and the processes that shape them, making it more relevant to landforms and rock formations rather than water bodies. Cartography is the art and science of map-making, which encompasses a broad range of mapping practices but does not specifically concentrate on water features. Remote sensing involves collecting information about an area from a distance, often using satellite or aerial imagery, which can include water bodies but is not solely focused on mapping them. Therefore, hydrography stands out as the most appropriate choice for mapping water bodies and their features.