Land use
Knowledge of the land use features of the landform is useful. Typical land uses are
shown on the topographic map; for instance, forested areas, sand and gravel quarries,
orchards, and swamps are represented by symbols. The rather uniform, spread-out
contour spacing can provide some insight as to the possibility of agriculture; for example,
cultivation given sufficient rainfall is highly likely on flat land (represented by openspaced contour lines). As in the case of a limestone plain, which is relatively flat, there is
often a predominance of agriculture along with other features such as woodlots and
quarries. Of course, if there is residential or urban development, it will be easily
recognized from the map symbols.
Source: Terrain analysis procedural guide for surface configuration, US Army engineer
topographic laboratories, p. 5-3