Map legend delineating all possible features depicted on a topographic map., Full descriptions of each map feature type, including an image of each. Instructions: Use this Fact Sheet to teach students about topographic map symbols.

See the latest legend with symbols and colors that are used on USGS topographic maps. The legend and the topo maps are free to use on a computer or a phone.

What is a Topographic Map? A map is a representation of the Earth, or part of it. The distinctive character-istic of a topographic map is that the shape of the Earth’s surface is shown by contour lines. Contours are imag-inary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface,

A US Topo map is a digital topographic map that covers 7.5-minutes of longitude by 7.5-minutes of latitude and is produced at a scale of 1:24,000. US Topo maps are freely distributable and are available for download on the Web from the USGS Store ( http://store.usgs.gov )

United States Geologic Service (USGS) Topographic Map Key (Legend) Interpreting the colored lines, areas and other symbols is necessary in using the topographic maps. The USGS Topographic Maps use symbols or colors to represent features, and this Topographic Map Key explains what they mean.

Newer editions of 1/50 000 and 1/250 000 maps use symbols which look different from older NTS maps. Download a two-page topographic map legend (PDF). The most common map symbols are shown and defined in the following images: Some categories of symbols on NTS maps include many different features.

Topographic maps include a wide variety of symbols, some of which are shown here: Please feel free to download and examine the full USGS legend from: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/TopographicMapSymbols/topomapsymbols.pdf

2024年7月9日 · The legend on a topographic map is an essential tool, acting as a comprehensive guide that clarifies the meaning behind various symbols used across the map’s landscape. Each symbol is meticulously chosen to represent different physical features or man-made structures, facilitating a deeper understanding of the geographical area.

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.

2022年1月21日 · Check your map’s legend for the contour interval, which tells you how many vertical feet apart they are from one another (usually 40 feet). Contour lines allow you to infer general terrain characteristics from their patterns. Here’s what you can expect to see on a topographic map: Crowded sections of contour lines.