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What Are the Green Areas on USGS TOPO Maps?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map is one of the most commonly used of all maps types. It portrays both natural and man-made features. It also identifies boundaries and roads. Topographic maps are used for natural resource preservation, environmental management, commercial and residential planning, major building projects, transmission lines, engineering, energy exploration, public works design and outdoor activities. The 1:24,000 scale is the most commonly used, meaning one inch equals 2,000 feet.

Green Map Color
- The USGS uses colors to signify a variety of natural and man-made features. Green is used to depict parks, golf courses, reservations, forests, orchards and heavily vegetated areas.
Blue and Red Map Colors
- Blue indicates lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, reservoirs and local borders. Red indicates place names, roads, urban areas, airports, special interest sites, major highways, military sites, buildings and borders.
Yellow and Brown Map Colors
- Yellow depicts built-up or urban areas. Brown shows contour lines, historical sites, national parks, deserts and military reservations or bases.
Black and Purple Map Colors
- Black depicts roads, railroads, highways, bridges, place names, buildings and borders. Highways and features that have been added to the map since the original survey are shown in purple.

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