I w* •• 
e United States Geological Survey is making a standar 
graphic atlas of the United States. This work 'has been i 
ess since 1882, and its results consist of published maps ( 
than 40 per cent of the country, exclusive of outlyin 
kssions. 
Lis topographic atlas is published in the form ol maps o 
measuring about 16^ by 20 inches. Under the gener; 
adopted the country is divided into quadraugles bounde 
arallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. The 
jangles are mapped on different scales, the scale selects 
Leh map being that which is best adapted to genera' use i 
development of the country, and consequently, though tl 
lard .maps are of' nearly uniform size, they represent art 
terent sizes. On the lower margin of each map are print* 
hie scales showing distances in feet, meters, and miles. 1 
non, the scale of the map is shown by a fraction express 
ed ratio between linear measurements on the map an dec 
nding distances on the ground. For example, the sea 
Means that 1 unit on the map (such as 1 iueh, 1 foot, or 
r) represents 62,500 similar units on the earth’s surface, 
though some areas are surveyed and some maps are cor 
. and published on special scales for special purposes^ t 
lard topographic surveys for the United States proper aj 
esulting maps have for many years been divided into thr 
differentiated as follows: 
Surveys of areas in which there are problems of gK 
importance—relating, for example, to mineral develo 
*7 
'b 
srBU lVPIL gtiotL\ssw.if) qs#m , t/s.t»rn 
r~ r =s»— r vr * * ca^. — . ■ l A 
[mroo periopirGqr! 
pue xrte^ajj 3 
pxcod 
fXO 
-1 
V 
Sjptrmp. 
ifinp^uby 
-- 
• Cl 
■■ i/| 
jog Ki-mpQuby 
SCrqa 
ao sp? 
"v' 
ooiyttis 
n^fJTAi.'s-qpq 
dxqssq^irj; 
SSI 
(&njq ui p&quiud) 
H31VM 
UOOULlQOO fiJo&zrgwp /hnMOtfft} 
^sriOT p xjgip pirno* aoupj ptmxq ; 
piamiuaoxn: 
iCropanog^ 
_ inf-rmuioni wsaa&eai 
icrenratioxn Alrounrrcl ao onti cr§i 
[Ra^ uxin S^l t ioT|T^piBu tn.L£ ao 3f.ped jpraig ao 
paoj; 
('U*r*<jQ 8 tln f uityd j 
Aiiiv» # x s hvrp 
1 
sarrno fpxni 
k X 
1 AYES 
heir lower ends bv a sea cliff. The hill at the left term] 
ibruptly at the valley in a steep scarp, from which it 
gradually away and forms an inclined table-land that isj 
*,r8ed by a few shallow gullies. On the map each of 
eaturee is represented, directly beneath its position* i 
fetch, by contour lines. 
The contour interval, or the vertical distance in feet be) 
me contour and the next, is stated at the bottom of each 
This interval differs according to the topography of th<| 
cnapped:' in a flat country it may be as small as X foot 
mountainous region it may be as great as 250 feet. C 
ontour lines, every fourth or fifth one, are made heavier 
the others and are accompanied by figures showing aid 
The heights of many points—such a*, road earners, sud 
suri S of luk and h > marks—are also given on thj 
in figures, which show altitudes to the nearest foot only. 
titudes—those of bench marks—as well as the gej 
coordinates of triangulation stations, are published in bu 
issued by the Geological Survey. 
■ Lettering and the works of man are shown in black. H 
aries, such as those of a State, county, city, land grant, 
ship, or reservation, are showu by continuous or broken 
of different kinds and weights. Metaled roads are ahoy 
double lines, one of which is accentuated. Other public 
are shown by fine double lines, private and poor roa 
dashed double lines, trails by dashed single lines. 
Lach quadrangle is designated by the name of a city. 
