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Contours make it possible to measure the height of mountains, depths of the ocean bottom, and steep-ness of slopes. topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such fea-tures as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation.
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.
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.
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.
There is no single document that describes all symbols used on all USGS topographic maps, but to help you read these maps, the USGS provides a variety of symbol guides. Two of particular value include the topographic map collection symbols guide, and the USGS Topographic maps home.
US Topo Map Symbols What is a US Topo? A US Topo 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 Topos are freely distributable and are available for download on the Web from the USGS Store (http://store.usgs.gov) in
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.
