The table is colour-coded based on the classification or "listing" of the hill. The three types that occur in
Dorset are
Marilyns,
HuMPs and
TuMPs, listings based on
topographical prominence. "Prominence" correlates strongly with the subjective significance of a summit. Peaks with low prominences are either subsidiary tops of a higher summit or relatively insignificant independent summits. Peaks with high prominences tend to be the highest points around and likely to have extraordinary views. A Marilyn is a hill with a prominence of at least 150 metres or about 500 feet. A "HuMP" (the acronym comes from "
Hundred
Metre
Prominence) is a hill with a prominence of at least 100 but less than 150 metres. In this table Marilyns are in beige and HuMPs in lilac. The term "sub-Marilyn" or "sub-HuMP" is used, e.g. in the online
Database of British and Irish Hills to indicate hills that fall just below the threshold. To qualify for inclusion, hills must either be 200 metres or higher with a prominence of at least 30 metres, below 200 metres with a prominence of at least 90 metres (the threshold for a sub-HuMP) or be in some other way notable. For further information see the
Lists of mountains and hills in the British Isles and the individual articles on
Marilyns,
HuMPs and
TuMPs. By way of contrast, see also the article listing
Tumps (a traditional term meaning a hillock, mound, barrow or tumulus). The county top (i.e. highest point) of Poole unitary authority is not strictly in the county of Dorset, but is included for interest because it falls within Dorset's historic county boundary. == List of hills ==