| − | Topology is the study of special properties that are preserved under continuous deformation of objects. Put more simply, it studies the properties that don't change unless you poke a hole in the object. One of the most popular examples is that of a coffee cup that can be continuously deformed into a doughnut. Then, the cup and the doughnut are said to be “topologically equivalent”. Topology began with [[Leonard Euler]]'s consideration of the Königsberg Bridges Problem, which also introduced [[Graph Theory]]. [[Beck's map of the London Underground]] in 1933 used a topological distortion of the locations of the subway stations in order to produce a more useful and artistic map. [[Differential geometry]] is a specialized field of its own. | + | Topology is the study of special properties that are preserved under continuous deformation of objects. Put more simply, it studies the properties that don't change unless you poke a hole in the object. One of the most popular examples is that of a coffee cup that can be continuously deformed into a doughnut. Then, the cup and the doughnut are said to be “topologically equivalent”. Topology began with [[Leonard Euler]]'s consideration of the Königsberg Bridges Problem, which also introduced [[Graph Theory]]. Beck's map of the London Underground in 1933 used a topological distortion of the locations of the subway stations in order to produce a more useful and artistic map. [[Differential geometry]] is a specialized field of its own. |