How does changing the perspective change the way a viewer thinks about topography?
Sounds like a psychological thing. I deal with maps all the time and if you're familiar with contour lines and what they represent on a topographic map, there should be no difference at all. On the other hand, if you change your point of view of a 3d image, you can see some topographic features with more detail from a low oblique view.
How does changing the perspective change the way a viewer thinks about topography?
Topography is understood in relation with the details like elevation. altitude, contours, rivers, lakes ,mountains, crops given in it. It is important in determining the movement of the army and in weather conditions. It will not make much difference in keeping it upside down.