Map Symbols Cheat Sheet: Terrain, Contours & Legends | Survival Solutions

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Field principle
Map colors and symbols are not universal: read the map-specific legend. The examples here are representative topographic-map conventions, not a substitute for the legend printed on your map.
Quick visual reference. Read the explanations and limitations before use.
On this page
1. Map lines and landforms
2. Frequently seen features
3. Read the legend before travel
Reference 1 of 3
Map lines and landforms
Contour line:
Connects points of equal elevation; spacing indicates slope steepness.
Index contour:
Heavier contour line often labeled with an elevation value.
V-shaped contours:
Where contours cross a stream valley, their V typically points upstream; confirm with neighboring terrain.
Ridge and saddle:
Ridges are elongated high ground; a saddle is a lower pass between peaks.
Depression contours:
Hachures on closed contours can show enclosed lower terrain.
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Reference 2 of 3
Frequently seen features
Blue line or area:
Usually watercourses and water bodies on many topographic maps.
Green fill:
Often wooded or vegetated areas; specific meaning depends on map.
Brown contours:
Elevation lines in many topographic products.
Black or gray lines:
Buildings, trails, roads and infrastructure; line style may distinguish route quality.
Dashed tracks:
May indicate trails, footpaths or approximate features; verify the map legend.
Grid lines:
Coordinate references used to locate and describe a position.
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Reference 3 of 3
Read the legend before travel
Scale example:
At 1:25,000, 4 cm on the map represents 1 km on the ground.
Contour interval:
A 10 m contour interval means neighboring contours differ in elevation by 10 m.
North references:
True, grid and magnetic north may differ. Read the declination diagram and map publication date.
Hazards and access:
Symbols do not guarantee a route is passable, permitted or safe today.
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Further reading & source material
Use these sources to validate local rules, technical standards and updates. No emergency article replaces official alerts or trained responders.
USGS — Topographic map symbols
USGS — Declination reference
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