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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.
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.
3 gru 2020 · Download the PDF version of the standard for geologic map symbolization, which includes symbols, colors, patterns, and explanations. The standard covers various geologic features, map elements, and map units.
Learn how to interpret the colored lines, areas, and other symbols on topographic maps. This fact sheet provides a map legend with full descriptions and images of each feature type.
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.
Learn how to access and use the USGS historical and current topographic maps with topoView. Find out how to read the map symbols, zoom and pan, search locations, and view map records.
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 )
