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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.
Reading Topographic Maps. Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the fi rst 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.
Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format).
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.
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.
The US Topo is intended for conventional map users, not for advanced GIS analysis. However, most of the data sources used are in the public domain and may be downloaded for free from The National Map (TNM) (http://nationalmap.gov).
