Cartographic Specifications - Transportation

By NGP Standards and Specifications

US Topo cartographic specifications for Transportation including airports, rails, routes, and trails.

Feature Types

AIRPORT

Heliport

FType: Complex

FCode: 20001

Feature Description: An area of land, water, or a structure used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of helicopters, and includes its building and facilities, if any.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Symbol is the capital letter "H" on a white background inside of an orange circle with a black outline. The symbol is comprised of seven layers.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B
Layer 1 (top)	6.0	0/0/0
Layer 2	19.0	0/0/0
Layer 4	16.0	230/152/0
Layer 5	14.0	230/152/0
Layer 6	16.0	230/152/0
Layer 7 (Base)	14.0	255/255/255
Layer 3	14.0	230/152/0

Runway

FType: Runway

FCode: 20100

Feature Description: A defined rectangular area on a land airport prepared for the landing and takeoff run of aircraft along its length.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
		Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details The symbol is a polygon outline with no fill.

Polygon Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Outline	0.4	0/0/0	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	8.00	0/ 0/ 0	0.7	240/ 240/ 240	Horizontal and offset from polygon.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Black text.

Seaplane Anchorage / Base

FType: Complex

FCode: 20002

Feature Description: A designated area of water used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of seaplanes and shoreside access.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Symbol is a blue anchor inside of a blue circle and is comprised of eight layers.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B
Layer 2	16.0	24/74/225
Layer 3	18.0	14/74/225
Layer 4	2.0	24/74/225
Layer 5	2.0	24/74/225
Layer 6	2.0	24/74/225
Layer 7	2.0	24/74/225
Layer 8 (Base)	14.0	255/255/255
Layer 1 (top)	16.0	24/74/225

RAIL

Rail

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: 20200

Feature Description: A primary railway that provides service between destinations.

Rail: Siding / Spur

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: 20201

Feature Description: A stretch of railway track connected to a main railway and used for temporary storage, passing, loading, and/or unloading. The siding / spur can be part of a rail yard.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details The symbol composed of two lines: a hash line on top of a solid line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 2 (Solid Line)	0.36	0/0/0	0
Line 1 (Hash Line)	2.88	0/0/0	0

ROUTE

4WD

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: An unpaved dirt trail where a four-wheel drive vehicle is required.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Four Wheel Drive Road (4WD). The symbol is constructed as three lines, a double dashed gray line on top of a light gray line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B
Line 1 (top)	0.55	130/130/130
Line 2	0.55	130/130/130
Line 3 (base)	1.8	235/235/235

Closed Road

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Roads that are closed to vehicular traffic but still exist on the transportation system for potential future use.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Closed Road. Symbol is constructed as two lines, a dashed gray line with a light gray outline.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 1 (top)	0.7	130/130/130	0
Line 2 (base)	0.9	235/235/235	0

Controlled-access Highway

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Interstates and limited access highways.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Expressway. The symbol is constructed as two lines, a line with an outline.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 1 (top)	1.25	175/75/76	0
Line 2 (base)	2.5	130/41/41	0

Ferry Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: A route that connects and maintains transportation flow over a body of water. Conveys vehicles, people, and cargo over a waterbody in a boat. Excludes commuter ferry (ferry taxis) routes and routes used by sightseeing watercraft. Spatial representation is generalized and may not accurately depict the real world location of the feature.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Ferry Route. The symbol is a dashed line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line	1.0	155/155/155	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI Italic	6.00	0/ 0/ 0	1.0	240/ 240/ 240	Curved and offset from the line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Black text in an italic font.

Interstate Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Fast, wide roads that traverse states and connect important cities. Part of the Interstate Highway System.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B
Road Shield, Layer 2	24.0	0/0/255
Road Shield, Layer 1 (top)	24.0	0/0/0
Road Shield, Layer 3 (base)	24.0	255/0/0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	255/ 255/ 255			Regular placement, horizontal and centered on line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of red and blue interstate shield with a white number identifying the road segment.

Local Connecting Road

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Roads that collect traffic from local roads and connect smaller towns, subdivisions, and neighborhoods.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Local Connector. The symbol is two lines, a gray line on top of a white line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line	1.5	110/111/110	0
Line (base)	2.5	255/255/255	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	0/ 0/ 0	1.0	240/ 240/ 240	Curved and offset from line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Black text.

Local Road

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Generally a paved street, road, or byway that usually has a single lane of traffic in each direction.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Local Road. The symbol is a single gray line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line	1.0	155/155/155	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI Italic	6.00	0/ 0/ 0	1.0	240/ 240/ 240	Curved and offset from the line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Black text with an italic font.

Ramp

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: A road, sometimes called a "slip road", that typically allows controlled access from adjacent, not at-grade roads onto a limited access highway, often in the form of a cloverleaf interchange.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Ramp. The symbol is a single red line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line	1.75	201/103/103	0

Secondary Highway or Major Connecting Road

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Main arteries and highways that are not limited access, usually in the U.S. Highway or State Highway systems.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Secondary Highway. The symbol is a single red line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line	1.75	201/103/103	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	0/ 0/ 0	1.0	240/ 240/ 240	Curved and offset from line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Black text.

State Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Numbered routes designated and maintained by local state governments.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Road Shield, Layer 1 (top)	22.0	0/0/0	0
Road Shield, Layer 2 (base)	22.0	255/255/255	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	0/ 0/ 0			Regular placement, horizontal and centered on line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of a state highway symbol which consists of a black circle with a black label identifying a road segment.

Tunnel

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: An underground passage that is open at both ends and contains a road. Connects and maintains transportation flow underneath physical or human-built obstructions, such as a mountains or rivers. Spatial representation is generalized and may not accurately depict the real world location of the feature.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Tunnel. Symbol is two dashed lines (at different offsets) with caps on both ends.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B
Line 3 (End Caps)	0.216	155/155/155
Line 1	0.216	156/156/156
Line 2	0.216	156/156/156

Forest Service High Clearance Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Routes under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service that require a vehicle with high ground clearance to navigate safely.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Road Shield, Outline	0.25	0/0/0	0
Road Shield, Fill		255/255/255	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	5.25	0/ 0/ 0			Centered on point.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of a Forest Service Road Symbol which consists of a vertical rectangle with a black outline and a black number identifying the road segment.

Forest Service Primary Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Routes under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service that provide public access to popular recreation areas and connect populated areas.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Road Shield, Layer 2 (base)	22.0	255/255/255	0
Road Shield, Layer 1 (top)	22.0	0/0/0	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	5.00	0/ 0/ 0			Centered on point.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of a Forest Service road shield consisting a multi-part polygon with a black outline and a black number identifying the road segment.

Forest Service Secondary Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Routes under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service that are not as highly trafficked as primary routes but have higher traffic than local roads.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Road Shield, Outline	0.25	0/0/0	0
Road Shield, Fill		255/255/255	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	5.25	0/ 0/ 0			Centered on point.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of a Forest Service road shield that consists of a horizontally oriented rectangle with a black outline with a black number identifying a road segment.

US Route

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: Also known as “US Highways,” these are numbered highways that connect populated places across the country and can sometimes be limited-access via onramps and offramps.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Label is a text symbol with annotation placed on top of a road shield marker.

Point Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Road Shield, Layer 1 (top)	22.0	0/0/0	0
Road Shield, Layer 2 (base)	22.0	255/255/255	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	0/ 0/ 0			Regular placement, horizontal and centered on line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Image of a US Highway road shield with a black outline and a black number identifying the road segment.

TRAILS

Snow Trail

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of snow or ice and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Symbol is constructed as two lines, a purple dashed line on top of a solid gray transparent line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 2 (base) solid transparent line	1.7	225/225/225	50
Line 1 (top) dashed line	0.9	124/81/173	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	124/ 81/ 173	0.8	240/ 240/ 240	Regular placement, curved and offset from line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Purple text.

Standard/Terra Trail

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Symbol is constructed as two lines, an orange dashed line on top of a solid gray transparent line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 1 (top) dashed line	0.9	230/76/0	0
Line 2 (base) solid transparent line	1.7	225/225/225	50

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	176/ 82/ 33	0.8	240/ 240/ 240	Regular placement, curved and offset from line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Red-orange text.

Water Trail

FType: No FType for this feature

FCode: No FCode for this feature

Feature Description: A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of water (but may include land-based portages) and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

Cartographic Representation

Point Graphic Depiction	Linear Graphic Depiction	Polygon Graphic Depiction
	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Symbol is constructed as two lines, a gray dashed line on top of a solid gray transparent line.

Line Symbology Specifications

SpecName	Size (Pt)	Color R/G/B	Transparency (%)
Line 2 (base) solid transparent line	1.7	130/130/130	80
Line 1 (top) dashed line	0.9	156/156/156	0

Annotation

Font Style	Font Size (Pt)	Font Color R/G/B	Halo Size (Pt)	Halo Color R/G/B	Placement Properties	Anno Graphic Depiction
Segoe UI	7.00	156/ 156/ 156	0.8	240/ 240/ 240	Regular placement, curved and offset from line.	Media Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details Gray text.

Cartographic Specifications - Transportation

Feature Types

AIRPORT

Heliport

Runway

Seaplane Anchorage / Base

RAIL

Rail

Rail: Siding / Spur

ROUTE

4WD

Closed Road

Controlled-access Highway

Ferry Route

Interstate Route

Local Connecting Road

Local Road

Ramp

Secondary Highway or Major Connecting Road

State Route

Tunnel

Forest Service High Clearance Route

Forest Service Primary Route

Forest Service Secondary Route

US Route

TRAILS

Snow Trail

Standard/Terra Trail

Water Trail

U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Department of the Interior