Interpreting TOPO Map Symbols ??

[IronClad]

I've been looking over local TOPO Maps around my area and I'm amazed at what is on them. Found one dated 1915 and cannot believe the 1 room School Houses listed that are no longer there. I got some work to do next summer.

Anyway, What I wanted to know is,, are there any keys or indexes to what some of the things on these maps mean. Specifically what I have posted below. Any idea what this would indicate. Its a farm field now.. Thanks if anyone can help.

 

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[RON (PA)]

To the best of my knowledge, the black squares are buildings (houses, schools, etc.) and the oval shape could be a track of some kind (race car, horse, possibly a football field). Based on the fact that it is a 1915 map and it is a farm field now, I am inclined to think it might be an old horse racing track. But just a guess. Hope it helps.

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The link to Topozone may help with the symbols.
http://www.topozone.com/help/mapsymbols.asp

 

[IronClad]

Thanks for the info and link. Exactly what I wanted. I gotta make some rosd trips to locate these long gone schools. Some of the 1 room schools are still standing around here, but most are gone according the the map. Thanks again RON ( PA ).

 

[cptbil]

Write or contact the
"USGS" in Denver and they'll send you a Free booklet with all of the Symbols on it!
They also have State "Indexs" of maps & etc...

 

[hat_man]

Hi Ironclad,
I just found this and if you find that is was a horse racing track then see if you can find out where the grandstand was. Usually along the front stretch. If the road on the map was there in 1915 then I would say on the other side was the grandstand. Also if you can figure out where the track actually sits then check all along where the rail was. Horse betting was very popular back then but not with stubs and windows like now. Just a couple of guys betting what was in their pockets. Good luck and HH.

Hat_man

 

[IAFF760]

Try http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/topomapsymbols.pdf

 

[Shortstack]

Every topo may I've ever used had a Legend on it defining the meanings of the symbols used on that sheet.