Boundaries on USGS topo maps are black dash patterns, and the pattern tells you what kind of line it is. Heavier lines with longer dashes are for bigger jurisdictions. Federal parks, monuments, and reservations get a pink band along the inside edge, so you can tell which side of the line is which.
How do you find public land on a topo map?
Look for boundary lines with a colored band. Federally administered parks, monuments, and reservations have a pink band along the inside edge, and USGS–Forest Service quads tint National Forest land. Boundaries change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.
IN THIS GUIDE
National, state, and local boundaries · Parks, monuments, and reservations · National Forest boundaries and land status · Using boundaries in the field · FAQ
National, state, and local boundaries
These lines are drawn from biggest to smallest jurisdiction. Where boundaries overlap, the more important one is shown.
National
The heaviest line, with long dashes, short dashes, and dots: an international boundary.
State or territorial
Long and short dashes with dots, slightly lighter: a state or territorial line.
County or equivalent
Long dashes separated by short ones: a county, parish, or borough line.
Civil township or equivalent
Evenly spaced dashes: a civil township or town line, in states that have township governments. Don't confuse it with the red survey townships.
Incorporated city or equivalent
Short dashes with dots: an incorporated city, town, or village limit.
Parks, monuments, and reservations
The band is drawn on the inside of the area it surrounds.
Federally administered park, reservation, or monument (external)
A dash-dot line with a wide pink band on the inside: the outer boundary of a federal area such as a national park, national monument, wildlife refuge, or reservation.
Federally administered park, reservation, or monument (internal)
The same line with a narrower band: a boundary inside or between federal areas.
State forest, park, reservation, or monument and large county park
A dash-dot line with no band: a state park, state forest, state reservation, or large county park.
Small park (county or city)
A fine dashed line: a small county or city park.
National Forest boundaries and land status
These symbols appear only on single-edition quads made jointly by the USGS and the Forest Service. They show both the outer forest boundary and which land inside it is actually federal.
Forest Service administrative area USGS–Forest Service quads
A long-dash line with dot pairs: the outer boundary of a National Forest or other Forest Service area.
Forest Service ranger district USGS–Forest Service quads
A long-dash line with single dots: the line between two ranger districts.
National Forest System land status, Forest Service lands USGS–Forest Service quads
A pink tint: land owned by the Forest Service.
National Forest System land status, non-Forest Service lands USGS–Forest Service quads
No tint inside the forest boundary: private or other non-federal land, called an inholding. Being inside the forest boundary doesn't make it public.
LEARN TO READ A TOPO MAP
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Watch the full Topo Map Reading series →Using boundaries in the field
- Boundaries usually aren't marked on the ground. Most have no fence or sign. Use landmarks, section corners, and GPS to figure out which side you're on.
- Watch for inholdings. Parks and forests often surround private land. Look for gaps in the tint or for building symbols inside a boundary.
- Boundaries change. Parks grow, land is traded, and new wilderness areas are designated. Check the map date and the managing agency's current maps.
- Need property lines? A custom MyTopo map can add public and private property boundaries for any area you choose.
PUT IT TO USE
See these symbols on a real map
Frequently asked questions
What is an inholding on a topo map?
An inholding is private or other non-federal land inside a park or forest boundary. On USGS–Forest Service quads, it's the untinted area within the forest boundary.
How is a national park boundary shown on a topo map?
As a black dash-dot line with a pink band along the inside edge. The same symbol is used for national monuments, wildlife refuges, and reservations.
What's the difference between a civil township and a survey township?
A civil township is a unit of local government, shown with a black dashed boundary. A survey township is a 6-mile square of the Public Land Survey System, shown with red lines.
Are boundaries on topo maps legally accurate?
No. They're accurate enough for navigation, but legal boundaries come from surveys and land records. Contact the county or the land management agency for official lines.
MORE SYMBOL GUIDES
Township, Range & Section Lines on Topo Maps · Road, Trail & Railroad Symbols on Topo Maps · Building, Campground & Landmark Symbols on Topo Maps
← Back to all USGS map symbols
Symbol artwork from the U.S. Geological Survey Topographic Map Symbols brochure (public domain).