Feature vs. Landmark — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Feature refers to any distinct attribute of a landscape, while a landmark is a recognizable natural or man-made object used for navigation or identification.
Difference Between Feature and Landmark
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A feature in geographical and cultural contexts refers to any notable aspect or characteristic of a landscape, such as hills, lakes, or buildings. These can be natural or man-made and are generally used to describe the components of a particular area. On the other hand, a landmark specifically refers to a feature that is easily recognizable and often used as a point of reference in navigation or as a historical marker.
Features encompass a broad range of elements in both natural and urban settings, serving various purposes such as ecological, aesthetic, or functional. Whereas landmarks are distinguished by their significant recognition and role in cultural or geographical orientation, often becoming symbolic representations of a location.
The term 'feature' can be applied to relatively ordinary aspects of the environment that may not have significant prominence or recognition. In contrast, landmarks are typically unique or possess a historical, cultural, or notable significance that sets them apart from ordinary features.
While features contribute to the overall understanding and description of a landscape, landmarks specifically aid in creating a mental map of an area, providing orientation and often becoming central elements in local narratives and tourism.
In navigation and mapping, features serve as basic elements that detail the characteristics of the terrain or urban area. Landmarks, however, play a crucial role in wayfinding, offering clear and memorable points that help people navigate through complex environments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any distinct attribute of a landscape
A recognizable natural or man-made object
Purpose
Describe components of an area
Navigation, identification, historical marker
Recognition
May not be widely recognized
Typically well-known and easily identifiable
Examples
Trees, buildings, rivers
Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower
Significance
General, varies depending on the context
High, often with cultural or historical importance
Compare with Definitions
Feature
A natural feature is an element formed by nature, such as a mountain or river.
The Mississippi River is a major natural feature of the United States.
Landmark
In architecture, a landmark building is recognized for its historical or architectural significance.
The Empire State Building is a landmark of New York City.
Feature
In journalism, a feature story provides in-depth coverage on a specific subject.
The magazine published a feature on sustainable farming practices.
Landmark
In legal contexts, a landmark decision is a court ruling with significant implications.
Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark decision in U.S. history.
Feature
In software, a feature is a functional component provided by the application.
The latest update includes a feature for voice recognition.
Landmark
In medical studies, a landmark study is one that leads to significant changes in understanding or treatment.
The Framingham Heart Study was a landmark in cardiovascular research.
Feature
An architectural feature refers to design aspects of a building.
Stained glass windows are a key feature of Gothic cathedrals.
Landmark
Landmark legislation refers to laws that create significant changes or progress in policy.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is considered landmark legislation.
Feature
Feature films are full-length movies typically over 90 minutes long.
The festival showcased several feature films from around the world.
Landmark
A landmark is a prominent object or feature that stands out in a landscape.
The clock tower serves as a landmark in the town square.
Feature
Any of the distinct parts of the face, as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Landmark
A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that stands out from its near environment and is often visible from long distances. In modern use, the term can also be applied to smaller structures or features, that have become local or national symbols.
Feature
Often features The overall appearance of the face or its parts.
Landmark
An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance, especially one that enables someone to establish their location
The spire was once a landmark for ships sailing up the river
Feature
A prominent or distinctive part, quality, or characteristic
A feature of one's personality.
A feature of the landscape.
Landmark
An event or discovery marking an important stage or turning point in something
The vaccine is a landmark in the history of preventive medicine
Feature
A property of linguistic units or forms
Nasality is a phonological feature.
Landmark
A prominent identifying feature of a landscape.
Feature
In generative linguistics, any of various abstract entities that specify or combine to specify phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic properties of linguistic forms and that act as the targets of linguistic rules and operations.
Landmark
A fixed marker, such as a concrete block, that indicates a boundary line.
Feature
The main film presentation at a theater.
Landmark
An event marking an important stage of development or a turning point in history.
Feature
A long, narrative movie, typically lasting more than one hour.
Landmark
A building or site with historical significance, especially one marked for preservation by a municipal or national government.
Feature
A special attraction at an entertainment.
Landmark
Having great import or significance
A landmark court ruling.
Feature
A prominent or special article, story, or department in a newspaper or periodical.
Landmark
To accord the status of a landmark to; declare to be a landmark.
Feature
An item advertised or offered as particularly attractive or as an inducement
A washing machine with many features.
Landmark
(historical) An object that marks the boundary of a piece of land (usually a stone, or a tree).
Feature
Outward appearance; form or shape.
Landmark
A recognizable natural or man-made feature used for navigation.
Feature
Physical beauty.
Landmark
A notable location with historical, cultural, or geographical significance.
Feature
To give special attention to; display, publicize, or make prominent.
Landmark
A major event or discovery.
An important landmark in human history
A landmark paper in neurosurgery
A landmark ruling/case
Feature
To have or include as a prominent part or characteristic
The play featured two well-known actors.
Landmark
(US) To officially designate a site or building as a landmark.
Feature
To depict or outline the features of.
Landmark
A mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object (as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones) by which the limits of a farm, a town, or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
Feature
(Informal) To picture mentally; imagine
Can you feature her in that hat?.
Landmark
Any conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide; some prominent object, as a hill or steeple.
Feature
(obsolete) One's structure or make-up: form, shape, bodily proportions.
Landmark
A structure that has special significance, such as a building with historical associations;
Feature
An important or main item.
Landmark
An event or accomplishment of great significance; as, Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark of the civil rights movement. Also used attributively, as a landmark court decision.
Feature
(media) A long, prominent article or item in the media, or the department that creates them; frequently used technically to distinguish content from news.
Landmark
The position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape;
The church steeple provided a convenient landmark
Feature
(film) feature film
Landmark
An event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend;
The agreement was a watershed in the history of both nations
Feature
Any of the physical constituents of the face (eyes, nose, etc.).
Landmark
A mark showing the boundary of a piece of land
Feature
(computing) A beneficial capability of a piece of software.
Landmark
An anatomical structure used as a point of origin in locating other anatomical structures (as in surgery) or as point from which measurements can be taken
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic.
One of the features of the landscape
Feature
(archaeology) Something discerned from physical evidence that helps define, identify, characterize, and interpret an archeological site.
A feature of many Central Texas prehistoric archeological sites is a low spreading pile of stones called a rock midden. Other features at these sites may include small hearths.
Feature
(engineering) Characteristic forms or shapes of parts. For example, a hole, boss, slot, cut, chamfer, or fillet.
Feature
An individual measurable property or characteristic of a phenomenon being observed; the input of a model.
Feature
(music) The act of being featured in a piece of music.
Feature
(linguistics) The elements into which linguistic units can be broken down.
Feature
(transitive) To ascribe the greatest importance to something within a certain context.
Feature
(transitive) To star, to contain.
Feature
(intransitive) To appear, to make an appearance.
Feature
To have features resembling.
Feature
The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.
What needeth it his feature to descrive?
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature.
Feature
The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.
It is for homely features to keep home.
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.
And to her service bind each living creatureThrough secret understanding of their feature.
Feature
A form; a shape.
So scented the grim feature, and upturnedHis nostril wide into the murky air.
Feature
A prominent aspect of something;
The map showed roads and other features
Generosity is one of his best characteristics
Feature
The characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin;
An expression of pleasure crossed his features
His lineaments were very regular
Feature
The principal (full-length) film in a program at a movie theater;
The feature tonight is `Casablanca'
Feature
A special or prominent article in a newspaper or magazine;
They ran a feature on retirement planning
Feature
An article of merchandise that is displayed or advertised more than other articles
Feature
Have as a feature;
This restaurant features the most famous chefs in France
Feature
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Common Curiosities
Why are landmarks important in history?
Landmarks often symbolize historical events or cultural heritage, serving as memorials or icons that connect people to their past.
Can a feature become a landmark?
Yes, if a feature gains enough significance and recognition, it can evolve into a landmark.
What is the main difference between a feature and a landmark?
A feature is any distinct part of a landscape, whereas a landmark is specifically a prominent and recognizable feature used for navigation or identification.
Can the term "feature" apply to non-physical attributes?
Yes, in contexts outside geography, such as technology or film, a feature refers to an attribute or function of a system or product.
How do features relate to the natural environment?
Natural features like rivers, mountains, and forests shape the ecological and geographical character of areas.
Are all landmarks man-made?
No, landmarks can be either natural, like Mount Everest, or man-made, like the Golden Gate Bridge.
How do features affect the geography of a place?
Features define the physical and cultural characteristics of a place, influencing its ecosystem, aesthetics, and human use.
What makes a landmark iconic?
Its distinctiveness, historical significance, and widespread recognition make a landmark iconic.
How do landmarks contribute to tourism?
Landmarks attract visitors, serving as key points of interest that highlight cultural and historical insights of a location.
What role do landmarks play in navigation?
Landmarks serve as reference points that help individuals navigate more easily, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Are features always visible?
While most features are visible, some, like underground rivers or geological layers, might not be directly observable.
Can technological features be considered landmarks?
In digital environments, certain prominent or innovative features might metaphorically be referred to as landmarks due to their impact.
How do cultural perceptions affect what is considered a landmark?
Cultural values and history influence what is recognized as a landmark, reflecting a community's identity and priorities.
How do features and landmarks differ in urban planning?
In urban planning, features include any physical elements of the environment, whereas landmarks are used as focal points for orientation and design.
What impact do landmarks have on local economies?
Landmarks can significantly boost local economies by promoting tourism, increasing traffic to surrounding businesses, and enhancing property values.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
