These lines indicate land with the same elevation. They are represented by a dark color (usually black or brown) and include a number indicating elevation of the land in feet. Closely-spaced contour lines show deep slopes, while lines that are far apart indicate gentle slopes.
A light green box indicates trees that are 6 feet tall or higher. Uneven, light green dots represent low-hanging bushes or brush. Formally planted vegetation, like an orchard, is represented by evenly placed, light green dots. A light green pattern, similar to that of an ink stamp, indicates vineyards.
Faint brown dots on a topographic map show the location of dunes, sand or mud. Unevenly spaced brown dots of varying hues show moraines (rocks and sand deposited by a glacier) or gravelly areas. An intricate land formation with irregular features (a lava bed, for example) may be shown with a grayish-brown box or series of short, wavy brown lines. Short, thick brown lines designate a tailings pond (debris from mill or factory waste).
Two crossed pick axes indicate a quarry or working mine. Two crossed arrows pointing downward specify a clay or sand pit. A "Y" lying on its side indicates the entrance to a cave or mine tunnel. An "X" or half-black, half-white box represents a mine shaft. Brown lines of varying lengths arranged in an oval shape show the location of a mine dump.
A black rectangular box, small white square, cross-hatched rectangle (or one with angled lines) indicate a general building. A black square with a pennant flag on top represents a school. A black box with a cross on top is a church. A solid pink or grayish-brown rectangle indicates a large residential or built-up area. A black or white cross lying on its side indicates an airport.
A thick red line indicates an interstate or primary highway. A red and white line indicates a hard surface secondary highway, like a state or county route. Two thick black lines with a thin one in the middle represent a dual highway with traffic lanes going in opposite directions. A thick red line over a light blue rectangle indicates a bridge
Thick black lines with short lines through them designate railroad tracks. A single thick black line represents one track, two thick black lines indicate two tracks, and so forth.
