Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Topographic map symbols

January 1, 2005

Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the first step in using topographic maps. Features are shown as points, lines, or areas, depending on their size and extent. For example, individual houses may be shown as small black squares. For larger buildings, the actual shapes are mapped. In densely built-up areas, most individual buildings are omitted and an area tint is shown. On some maps, post offices, churches, city halls, and other landmark buildings are shown within the tinted area.

Publication Year 2005
Title Topographic map symbols
DOI 10.3133/70039164
Authors
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Unnumbered Series
Series Title General Information Product
Index ID 70039164
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
Was this page helpful?