| Topographic maps are maps designed to display | | | | As priorities have shifted, topographic maps have |
| both natural and man made features of an area in | | | | become a tool for those invested in the building of |
| a graphic manner. National mapping programs are | | | | infrastructure as well as the exploration for future |
| present in most countries, as well as for profit | | | | resources. Modern uses for these maps range |
| businesses providing mapping services. In the | | | | from the scientific to the recreational as they are |
| United States, the civilian run federal agency is the | | | | an integral tool of those practicing the earth |
| United States Geographical Survey. They produce | | | | sciences as well as the weekend hiker or those |
| a variety of maps that vary in range and scale. | | | | participating in orienteering. Knowledge of land |
| These maps are available for online purchase at a | | | | formations and elevations is essential for success |
| number of sites, or sometimes for free as a part | | | | in these areas, as well as contributing to the level |
| of the public domain. These maps are also | | | | of safety with which they are carried out. |
| available in a variety of formats from the USGS. | | | | The features displayed on topographic maps are |
| Topographical surveys are the basis of | | | | traditionally represent by signs and symbols which |
| topographic maps. Traditionally, these surveys | | | | are usually defined on the map itself, but may |
| show a variety of landforms and elevations, and | | | | also be prepared on a separate sheet. Differing |
| were originally intended for use by the military to | | | | colors are used to differentiate between road |
| assist in the design and implementation of battle | | | | types, while shading is used to indicate varying |
| plans, as well as in forming an effective defensive | | | | elevations. Contour lines connect adjoining points |
| posture in preparation for attack. France was the | | | | that are at the same altitude. Maps will also display |
| subject of the first multiple sheet topographic | | | | bodies of water, points of interest, wooded areas, |
| survey of an entire country in 1789. Map making | | | | and urban development, depending on the scope |
| in the United States was originally under the | | | | of the project. Once designed with the use of |
| jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, | | | | standard survey equipment, most modern maps |
| followed by the Department of the Interior, but | | | | utilize aerial photography, and remote sensing |
| has been the undertaking of the USGS since its | | | | methods to determine the dimensional properties |
| formation in 1879. | | | | of a given area. |