On one type of large-scale topographic map, called provisional, some symbols and lettering are hand- drawn. Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the fi rst step in using topographic maps. Features are shown as points, lines, …

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.

Topographic map symbols 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.

Build a USGS topographic map with choice of format, area of interest, scale, and National Map content. The National Geospatial Program publishes a variety of geospatial data products and services via The National Map.

Maps published 2013-present: US Topo maps have a symbol sheet attached to the map file (PDF format only). Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and click on the paperclip icon. Maps published 1947-2009: See the Topographic Map Symbols pamphlet. Most of these symbols are still in use.

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)

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.

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 …

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 …

In the western states, the USGS topo map includes township and range markings, which can be helpful when trying to sort out questions in the BLM data.