Landmark

This article is about objects used in navigation. For visitor attractions, see Tourist attraction. For other uses, see Landmark (disambiguation).

Uluru, a natural landmark in Australia

The Eiffel Tower - tallest in the world from 1889 to 1930

A landmark is a recognizable natural or man-made feature used for navigation.

Etymology

Originally, a landmark literally meant a geographic feature used by explorers and others to find their way back or through an area.^{[citation needed]}

In modern usage, a landmark includes anything that is easily recognizable, such as a monument, building, or other structure. In American English it is the main term used to designate places that might be of interest to tourists due to notable physical features or historical significance. Landmarks in the British English sense are often used for casual navigation, such as giving directions. This is done in American English as well.^{[citation needed]}

In urban studies as well as in geography, a landmark is furthermore defined as an external point of reference that helps orienting in a familiar or unfamiliar environment. Landmarks are often used in verbal route instructions and as such an object of study by linguists as well as in other fields of study.^{[citation needed]}

Types of landmarks

A variant is a seamark or daymark, a structure usually built intentionally to aid sailors navigating featureless coasts. An example is the tower at Walton-on-the-Naze in England.

See also

• Cultural heritage management
• National landmark
• National symbol

External links

• Media related to Landmarks at Wikimedia Commons