{bigtext=20,85,"Glossary of Cartographic Terms"}

{2}Definitions of Man-made and Natural Features:{4}

{3}abandonded watercourse:{4} a former stream or distributary no longer carrying
flowing water, but still evident due to lake, wetland, topographic or vegetation
patterns
{3}administrative division:{4} an administrative division of a country, undifferentiated
as to administrative level
{3}administrative division (first-order):{4} a primary administrative division of a country,
such as a state in the United States
{3}administrative division (second-order):{4} a subdivision of a first-order
administrative division
{3}administrative division (third-order):{4} a subdivision of a second-order
administrative division
{3}administrative division (fourth-order):{4} a subdivision of a third-order
administrative division
{3}administrative facility:{4} a government building
{3}agricultural colony:{4} a tract of land set aside for agricultural settlement
{3}agricultural facility:{4} a building and/or tract of land used for improving agriculture
{3}agricultural reserve:{4} a tract of land reserved for agricultural reclamation and/or development
{3}agricultural school:{4} a school with a curriculum focused on agriculture
{3}airbase:{4} an area used to store supplies, provide barracks for air force personnel, hangars and
runways for aircraft, and from which operations are initiated
{3}airfield:{4} a place on land where aircraft land and take off; no facilities provided for the
commercial handling of passengers and cargo
{3}airport:{4} a place where aircraft regularly land and take off, with runways, navigational aids,
and major facilities for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo
{3}airport:{4} manmade facility maintained for the use of aircraft (airfield, airstrip, landing
field, landing strip).
{3}amphitheater:{4} an oval or circular structure with rising tiers of seats about a stage or open space
{3}anabranch:{4} a diverging branch flowing out of a main stream and rejoining it downstream
(around an island)
{3}anchorage:{4} an area where vessels may anchor
{3}ancient road:{4} the remains of a road used by ancient cultures
{3}ancient site:{4} a place where archeological remains, old structures, or cultural artifacts
are located
{3}ancient wall:{4} the remains of a linear defensive stone structure
{3}aqueduct:{4} a conduit used to carry water
{3}arch:{4} a natural or man-made structure in the form of an arch
{3}arch:{4} natural arch-like opening in a rock mass (bridge, natural bridge, sea arch).
{3}arctic land:{4} atract of land in the Arctic
{3}area:{4} a tract of land without homogeneous character or boundaries
{3}area:{4} any one of several areally extensive natural features not included in other categories
(badlands, barren, delta, fan, garden).
{3}arroyo:{4} watercourse or channel through which water may occasionally flow (coulee, draw, gully,
wash).
{3}artificial island:{4} an island created by landfill or diking and filling in a wetland, bay, or lagoon
{3}artillery range:{4} a tract of land used for artillery firing practice
{3}asphalt lake:{4} a small basin containing naturally occurring asphalt
{3}astronomical station:{4} a point on the earth whose position has been determined by observations
of celestial bodies
{3}asylum:{4} a facility where the insane are cared for and protected
{3}athletic field:{4} a tract of land used for playing team sports, and athletic tract and field events
{3}atoll:{4} a ring-shaped coral reef which has closely spaced islands on it encircling a lagoon
{3}atomic center:{4} a facility where atomic research is carried out
{3}badlands:{4} an area characterized by a maze of very closely spaced, deep, narrow, steep-sided
ravines, and sharp crests and pinnacles
{3}baling station:{4} a facility for baling agricultural products
{3}banana plantation:{4} an estate that specializes in the growing of bananas
{3}bar:{4} a shallow ridge or mound of coarse unconsolidated material in a stream channel, at the mouth
of a stream, estuary, or lagoon and in the wave-break zone along coasts
{3}bar:{4} natural accumulation of sand, gravel, or alluvium forming an underwater or exposed embankment
(ledge, reef, sandbar, shoal, spit).
{3}barracks:{4} a building for lodging military personnel
{3}basin:{4} natural depression or relatively low area enclosed by higher land (amphitheater, cirque,
pit, sink).
{3}battlefield:{4} a site of a land battle of historical importance
{3}bay:{4} a coastal identation between two capes or headlands, larger than a cove but smaller
than a gulf
{3}bayou:{4} (stream) linear body of water flowing on the Earth's surface (anabranch, awawa, bayou,
branch, brook, creek, distributary, fork, kill, pup, rio, river, run, slough).
{3}beach ridge:{4} a ridge of sand just inland and parallel to the beach, usually in series
{3}beach:{4} a shore zone of coarse unconsolidated sediment that extends from the low-water
line to the highest reach of storm waves
{3}beach:{4} the sloping shore along a body of water that is washed by waves or tides and is
usually covered by sand or gravel (coast, shore, strand).
{3}beacon:{4} a fixed artificial navigation mark
{3}bench:{4} a long, narrow bedrock platform bounded by steeper slopes above and below, usually
overlooking a waterbody
{3}bench:{4} area of relatively level land on the flank of an elevation such as a hill, ridge,
or mountain where the slope of the land rises on one side and descends on the opposite side (level).
{3}bend:{4} curve in the course of a stream and (or) the land within the curve; a curve in a
linear body of water (bottom, loop, meander).
{3}bight:{4} an open body of water forming a slight recession in a coastline
{3}bight:{4} (bay) indentation of a coastline or shoreline enclosing a part of a body of
water; a body of water partly surrounded by land (arm, bight, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet, sound).
{3}blowhole:{4} a hole in coastal rock through which sea water is forced by a rising tide or
waves and spurted through an outlet into the air
{3}blowout:{4} a small depression in sandy terrain, caused by wind erosion
{3}boatyard:{4} a waterside facility for servicing, repairing, and building small vessels
{3}bog:{4} a wetland characterized by peat forming sphagnum moss, sedge, and other acid-water plants
{3}border post:{4} a post or station at an international boundary for the regulation of movement
of people and goods
{3}boulder field:{4} a high altitude or high latitude bare, flat area covered with large angular rocks
{3}boundary marker:{4} a fixture marking a point along a boundary
{3}breakwater:{4} a structure erected to break the force of waves at the entrance to a harbor or port
{3}brewery:{4} one or more buildings where beer is brewed
{3}bridge:{4} a structure erected across an obstacle such as a stream, road, etc., in order to
carry roads, railroads, and pedestrians across
{3}bridge:{4} manmade structure carrying a trail, road, or other transportation system across a
body of water or depression (causeway, overpass, trestle).
{3}buffer zone:{4} a zone recognized as a buffer between two nations in which military presence
is minimal or absent
{3}building:{4} a manmade structure with walls and a roof for protection of people and/or
materials, but not including church, hospital, or school.
{3}buildings:{4} a structure built for permanent use, as a house, factory, etc.
{3}burial cave:{4} a cave used for human burials
{3}bush:{4} a small clump of conspicuous bushes in an otherwise bare area (see also scrubland)
{3}business center:{4} a place where a number of businesses are located
{3}butte:{4} a small, isolated, usually flat-topped hill with steep sides
{3}cairn:{4} a heap of stones erected as a landmark or for other purposes
{3}caldera:{4} a depression measuring kilometers across formed by the collapse of a volcanic mountain
{3}camp:{4} a site occupied by tents, huts, or other shelters for temporary use
{3}canal:{4} an artificial watercourse
{3}canal:{4} manmade waterway used by watercraft or for drainage, irrigation, mining, or water power
(ditch, lateral).
{3}canal bend:{4} a conspicuously curved or bent section of a canal
{3}canal tunnel:{4} a tunnel through which a canal passes
{3}canalized stream:{4} a stream that has been substantially ditched, diked, or straightened
{3}cannery:{4} a building where food items are canned
{3}canyon:{4} a deep narrow valley with steep sides cutting into a plateau or mountainous area
{3}cape:{4} a land area, more prominent than a point, projecting into the sea and marking a notable
change in coastal direction
{3}cape:{4} projection of land extending into a body of water (lea, neck, peninsula, point).
{3}caravan route:{4} the route taken by caravans
{3}casino:{4} a building used for entertainment, especially gambling
{3}castle:{4} a large fortified building or set of buildings
{3}cattle dipping tank:{4} a small artificial pond used for immersing cattle in chemically treated
water for disease control
{3}causeway:{4} a raised roadway across wet ground or shallow water
{3}cave:{4} an underground passageway or chamber, or cavity on the side of a cliff
{3}cave:{4} natural underground passageway or chamber, or a hollowed out cavity in the side of a
cliff (cavern, grotto).
{3}cemetery:{4} a burial place or ground
{3}cemetery:{4} a place or area for burying the dead (burial, burying ground, grave, memorial garden).
{3}channel:{4} linear deep part of a body of water through which the main volume of water flows
and is frequently used as a route for watercraft (passage, reach,strait, thoroughfare, throughfare).
{3}channel:{4} the deepest part of a stream, bay, lagoon, or strait, through which the main
current flows
{3}chrome mine:{4} a mine where chrome is extracted
{3}church:{4} a building for public Christian worship
{3}church:{4} building used for religious worship (chapel, mosque, synagogue, tabernacle, temple).
{3}cirque:{4} a bowl-like hollow partially surrounded by cliffs or steep slopes at the head of a
glaciated valley
{3}civil:{4} a political division formed for administrative purposes (borough, county, municipio,
parish, town, township).
{3}clearing:{4} an area in a forest with trees removed
{3}cleft:{4} a deep narrow slot, notch, or groove in a coastal cliff
{3}cliff:{4} a high, steep to perpendicular slope overlooking a waterbody or lower area
{3}cliff:{4} very steep or vertical slope (bluff, crag, head, headland, nose, palisades, precipice,
promontory, rim, rimrock).
{3}clinic:{4} a medical facility associated with a hospital for outpatients
{3}coal mine:{4} a mine where coal is extracted (underground or strip)
{3}coalfield:{4} a region in which coal deposits of possible economic value occur
{3}coast guard station:{4} a facility from which the coast is guarded by armed vessels
{3}coast:{4} a zone of variable width straddling the shoreline
{3}coconut grove:{4} a planting of coconut trees
{3}college:{4} the grounds and buildings of an institution of higher learning
{3}common:{4} a park or pasture for community use:{4}
{3}communication center:{4} a facility, including buildings, antennae, towers and electronic
equipment for receiving and transmitting information
{3}community center:{4} a facility for community recreation and other activities
{3}concession area:{4} a lease of land by a government for economic development, e.g., mining,
forestry
{3}cone:{4} a conical landform composed of mud or volcanic material
{3}confluence:{4} a place where two or more streams or intermittent streams flow together
{3}convent:{4} a building where a community of nuns lives in seclusion
{3}copper mine:{4} a mine where copper ore is extracted
{3}copper works:{4} a facility for processing copper ore
{3}coral reef:{4} a surface-navigation hazard composed of coral
{3}corral:{4} a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing animals
{3}corridor:{4} a strip or area of land having significance as an access way
{3}cotton plantation:{4} an estate specializing in the cultivation of cotton
{3}country house:{4} a large house, mansion, or chateau, on a large estate
{3}county:{4} a political division formed for administrative purposes (borough, county,
municipio, parish, town, township).
{3}courthouse:{4} a building in which courts of law are held
{3}cove:{4} a small coastal identation, smaller than a bay
{3}cove:{4} (bay) indentation of a coastline or shoreline enclosing a part of a body of water;
a body of water partly surrounded by land (arm, bight, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet, sound).
{3}crater:{4} a generally circular saucer or bowl-shaped depression caused by volcanic or
meteorite explosive action
{3}crater:{4} circular-shaped depression at the summit of a volcanic cone or one on the surface
of land caused by the impact of a meteorite; a manmade depression caused by an explosion
(caldera, lua).
{3}crater lake:{4} a lake in a crater or caldera
{3}crossing:{4} a place where two or more routes of transportation form a junction or intersection
(overpass, underpass).
{3}cuesta:{4} an asymmetric ridge formed on tilted strata
{3}cultivated area:{4} an area under cultivation
{3}current:{4} a horizontal flow of water in a given direction with uniform velocity
{3}customs house:{4} a building in a port where customs and duties are paid, and where vessels are
entered and cleared
{3}customs post:{4} a building at an international boundary where customs and duties are paid on goods
{3}cutoff:{4} a channel formed as a result of a stream cutting through a meander neck
{3}dairy:{4} a facility for the processing, sale and distribution of milk or milk products
{3}dam:{4} a barrier constructed across a stream to impound water
{3}dam:{4} water barrier or embankment built across the course of a stream or into a body of water
to control and (or) impound the flow of water (breakwater, dike, jetty).
{3}delta:{4} a flat plain formed by alluvial deposits at the mouth of a stream (see also fan)
{3}depression:{4} a low area surrounded by higher land and usually characterized by interior drainage
{3}desert:{4} a large area with little or no vegetation due to extreme environmental conditions
{3}destroyed populated place:{4} a village, town or city destroyed by a natural disaster, or by war
{3}diatomite mine:{4} a place where diatomaceous earth is extracted
{3}dike:{4} (dam) water barrier or embankment built across the course of a stream or into a body of
water to control and (or) impound the flow of water (breakwater, dike, jetty).
{3}dike:{4} an earth or stone embankment usually constructed for flood or stream control
{3}dispensary:{4} a building where medical or dental aid is dispensed
{3}distributary:{4} a branch which flows away from the main stream, as in a delta or irrigation canal
{3}ditch:{4} a small artificial watercourse dug for drainage or irrigating the land
{3}ditch:{4} canal, manmade waterway used by watercraft or for drainage, irrigation, mining, or
water power (ditch, lateral).
{3}ditch mouth:{4} an area where a drainage ditch enters a lagoon, lake or bay
{3}divide:{4} a line separating adjacent drainage basins
{3}dock:{4} a waterway between two piers, or cut into the land for the berthing of ships
{3}docking basin:{4} a part of a harbor where ships dock
{3}dockyard:{4} a facility for servicing, building, or repairing ships
{3}drainage basin:{4} an area drained by a stream
{3}drainage canal:{4} an artificial waterway carrying water away from a wetland or from drainage
ditches
{3}drainage ditch:{4} a ditch which serves to drain the land
{3}dry dock:{4} a dock providing support for a vessel, and means for removing the water so that
the bottom of the vessel can be exposed
{3}dry stream bed:{4} a channel formerly containing the water of a stream
{3}dunes:{4} a wave form, ridge or star shape features composed of sand (sand dune, sand drift,
barchan, hairpin, transverse, seif, star, sand ridge, sand hill, etc.)
{3}economic region:{4} a region of a country established for economic development or for statistical
purposes
{3}escarpment:{4} a long line of cliffs or steep slopes separating level surfaces above and below
{3}estate:{4} a large commercialized agricultural landholding with associated buildings and other
facilities
{3}estuary:{4} funnel-shaped stream mouth or embayment where fresh water mixes with sea water under
tidal influences
{3}experiment station:{4} a facility for carrying out experiments
{3}facility center:{4} a place where more than one facility is situated
{3}facility:{4} a building or buildings housing a center, institute, foundation, hospital, prison,
mission, courthouse, etc.
{3}factory:{4} one or more buildings where goods are manufactured, processed or fabricated
{3}fall:{4} (falls) perpendicular or very steep fall of water in the course of a stream (cascade
cataract, waterfall).
{3}fan:{4} a fan-shaped wedge of coarse alluvium with apex merging with a mountain stream bed and
the fan separating out at a low angle slope onto an adjacent plain (See also delta)
{3}farm:{4} a tract of land with associated buildings devoted to agriculture
{3}farmstead:{4} the buildings and adjacent service areas of a farm
{3}ferry:{4} a boat or other floating conveyance and terminal facilities regularly used to
transport people and vehicles across a waterbody
{3}fields:{4} an open as opposed to wooded area
{3}fishing area:{4} a fishing ground, bank or area where fishermen go to catch fish
{3}fishponds:{4} ponds or enclosures in which fish are kept or raised
{3}fissure:{4} a crack associated with volcanism
{3}fjords:{4} long, narrow, steep-walled, deep-water arms of the sea at high altitudes, usually
along mountainous coasts
{3}flat:{4} relative level area within a region of greater relief (clearing, glade, playa).
{3}ford:{4} a shallow part of a stream which can be crossed on foot or by land vehicle
{3}forest:{4} an area dominated by tree vegetation
{3}forest:{4} bounded area of woods, forest, or grassland under the administration of a political
agency (see woods) (natural forest, national grassland, state forest).
{3}forest reserve:{4} a forested area set aside for preservation or controlled use
{3}forest station:{4} a collection of buildings and facilities for carrying out forest management
{3}former inlet:{4} an inlet which has been filled in, or blocked by deposits
{3}former sugar mill:{4} a sugar mill no longer used as a sugar mill
{3}fort:{4} a defensive structure or earthworks (For modern forts, see military base)
{3}fossilized forest:{4} a forest fossilized by geologic processes and now exposed at the earth's
surface
{3}foundry:{4} a building or works where metal casting is carried out
{3}free trade zone:{4} an area, usually a section of a port, where goods may be received and
shipped free of customs duty and of most customs regulations
{3}fuel depot:{4} an area where fuel is stored
{3}gap:{4} a low place in a ridge, not used for transportation (See also pass)
{3}gap:{4} low point or opening between hills or mountains or in a ridge or mountain range (col,
notch, pass, saddle, water gap, wind gap).
{3}garden:{4} an enclosure for displaying selected plant or animal life
{3}gas-oil separator plant:{4} a facility for separating gas from oil
{3}gasfield:{4} an area containing a subterranean store of natural gas of economic value
{3}gate:{4} controlled access entrance or exit
{3}geyser:{4} a type of hot spring with intermittent eruptions of jets of hot water and steam
{3}geyser:{4} eruptive spring from which hot water and (or) steam and in some cases mud are
periodically thrown.
{3}glacier:{4} a mass of ice, usually at high latitude or high elevation, with sufficient
thickness to flow away from the source area in lobes, tongues, or masses
{3}glacier:{4} body or stream of ice moving outward and downslope from an area of accumulation;
an area of relatively permanent snow or ice on the top or side of a mountainous area (icefield,
ice patch, snow patch).
{3}gold mine:{4} a mine where gold ore, or alluvial gold is extracted
{3}golf course:{4} a recreation field where golf is played
{3}gorge:{4} a short, narrow, steep-sided section of a stream valley
{3}grassland:{4} an area dominated by grass vegetation
{3}grave:{4} a burial site
{3}gravel area:{4} an area covered with gravel
{3}grazing area:{4} an area of grasses and shrubs used for grazing
{3}guest house:{4} a house used to provide lodging for paying guests
{3}gulf:{4} a large recess in the coastline, larger than a bay
{3}gut:{4} relatively small coastal waterway connecting bodies of water or other water ways (creek,
inlet, slough).
{3}halting place:{4} a place where caravans stop for rest
{3}hanging valley:{4} a valley the floor of which is notably higher than the valley or shore to
which it leads; most common in areas that have been glaciated
{3}harbor:{4} a haven or space of deep water so sheltered by the adjacent land as to afford a safe
anchorage for ships
{3}harbor:{4} sheltered area of water where ships or other watercraft can anchor or dock (hono,
port, roads, roadstead).
{3}headland:{4} a high projection of land extending into a large body of water beyond the land of
the coast
{3}headwaters:{4} the source and supply part of a stream, including the upper drainage basin
{3}heath:{4} an upland moor or sandy area dominated by low shrubby vegetation including heather
{3}heliport:{4} a place where helicopters land and take off
{3}hermitage:{4} a secluded residence, usually for religious sects
{3}hill:{4} a rounded elevation of limited extent rising above the surrounding land with local
relief of less than 300m
{3}historical site:{4} a place of historical importance (Use ancient site for ancient features;
battlefield for historic land battle sites)
{3}hospital:{4} a building in which sick or injured, especially those confined to bed, are
medically treated
{3}hospital:{4} building where the sick or injured may receive medical or surgical attention
(infirmary).
{3}hot spring:{4} a place where hot ground water flows naturally out of the ground
{3}hotel:{4} a building providing lodging and/or meals for the public
{3}house:{4} a building used as a human habitation
{3}housing development:{4} a tract of land on which many houses of similar design are built
according to a development plan
{3}hummock:{4} a patch of ground, distinct from and slightly above the surrounding plain or
wetland. Often occurs in groups.
{3}hunting reserve:{4} a tract of land used primarily for hunting
{3}hut:{4} a small primitive house
{3}hydroelectric power station:{4} a building where electricity is generated from water power
{3}icecap:{4} a dome-shaped mass of glacial ice covering an area of mountain summits or other
high lands; smaller than an ice sheet
{3}icecap depression:{4} a comparatively depressed area on an icecap
{3}icecap dome:{4} a comparatively elevated area on an icecap
{3}icecap ridge:{4} a linear elevation on an icecap
{3}industrial area:{4} an area characterized by industrial activity
{3}inlet:{4} a narrow waterway extending into the land, or connecting a bay or lagoon with a
larger body of water
{3}inspection station:{4} a station at which vehicles, goods, and people are inspected
{3}interdune trough:{4} a long wind-swept trough between parallel longitudinal dunes
{3}interfluve:{4} a relatively undissected upland between adjacent stream valleys
{3}iron mine:{4} a mine where iron ore is extracted
{3}irrigated field:{4} a tract of level or terraced land which is irrigated
{3}irrigation canal:{4} a canal which serves as a main conduit for irrigation water
{3}irrigation ditch:{4} a ditch which serves to distribute irrigation water
{3}irrigation system:{4} a network of ditches and one or more of the following elements- water
supply, reservoir, canal, pump, well, drain, etc.
{3}island:{4} a tract of land, smaller than a continent, surrounded by water at high water
{3}island:{4} area of dry or relatively dry land surrounded by water or low wetland (archipelago,
atoll, cay, hammock, isla, isle, key, moku, rock).
{3}isthmus:{4} a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses and bordered by water
{3}isthmus:{4} narrow section of land in a body of water connecting two larger land areas.
{3}jetty:{4} a structure built out into the water at a river mouth or harbor entrance to regulate
currents and silting
{3}karst area:{4} a distinctive landscape developed on soluble rock such as limestone characterized
by sinkholes, caves, disappearing streams, and underground drainage
{3}labor camp:{4} a camp used by migrant or temporary laborers
{3}lagoon:{4} a shallow coastal waterbody, completely or partly separated from a larger body of
water by a barrier island, coral reef or other depositional feature
{3}lake bed:{4} a dried up or drained area of a former lake
{3}lake channel:{4} that part of a lake having a water deep enough for navigation between islands,
shoals, etc.
{3}lake region:{4} a tract of land distinguished by numerous lakes
{3}lake:{4} a large inland body of standing water (See also pond)
{3}lake:{4} natural body of inland water (backwater, lac, lagoon, laguna, pond, pool, resaca,
waterhole).
{3}land-tied island:{4} a coastal island connected to the mainland by barrier beaches, levees or dikes
{3}landing:{4} a place where boats receive or discharge passengers and freight, but lacking most
port facilities
{3}lava area:{4} an area of solidified lava
{3}lava:{4} formations resulting from the consolidation of molten rock on the surface of the Earth
(kepula, lava flow).
{3}lead mine:{4} a mine where lead ore is extracted
{3}leased zone:{4} a tract of land leased by the United States from Panama
{3}leper colony:{4} a settled area inhabited by lepers in relative isolation
{3}leprosarium:{4} an asylum or hospital for lepers
{3}levee:{4} a natural low embankment bordering a distributary or meandering stream; often built
up artificially to control floods
{3}levee:{4} natural or manmade embankment flanking a stream (bank, berm).
{3}lighthouse:{4} a distinctive structure exhibiting a major navigation light
{3}limekiln:{4} a furnace in which limestone is reduced to lime
{3}locale:{4} place at which there is or was human activity; it does not include populated places,
mines, and dams (battlefield, crossroad, camp, farm, ghost town, landing, railroad siding, ranch,
ruins, site, station, windmill).
{3}locality:{4} a minor area or place of unspecified or mixed character and indefinite boundaries
{3}lock:{4} a basin in a waterway with gates at each end by means of which vessels are passed from
water level to another
{3}logging camp:{4} a camp used by loggers
{3}lost river:{4} surface stream that disappears into an underground channel, or dries up in
an arid area
{3}maneuver area:{4} a tract of land where military field exercises are carried out
{3}mangrove island:{4} a mangrove swamp surrounded by a waterbody
{3}mangrove swamp:{4} a tropical tidal mud flat characterized by mangrove vegetation
{3}marina:{4} a harbor facility for small boats, yachts, etc.
{3}marine channel:{4} that part of a body of water deep enough for navigation through an area
otherwise not suitable
{3}maritime school:{4} a school at which maritime sciences form the core of the curriculum
{3}market:{4} a place where goods are bought and sold at regular intervals
{3}marsh:{4} a wetland dominated by grass-like vegetation
{3}marsh:{4} swamp, poorly drained wetland, fresh or saltwater, wooded or grassy, possibly
covered with open water (bog, cienega, marais, marsh, pocosin).
{3}meadow:{4} a small, poorly drained area dominated by grassy vegetation
{3}meander neck:{4} a narrow strip of land between the two limbs of a meander loop at its
narrowest point
{3}medical center:{4} a complex of health care buildings including two or more of the following-
hospital, medical school, pharmacy, doctor's offices, etc.
{3}mesa:{4} a flat-topped, isolated elevation with steep slopes on all sides, less extensive
than a plateau
{3}meteorological station:{4} a station at which weather elements are recorded
{3}military base:{4} a place used by an army or other armed service for storing arms and supplies,
and for accommodating and training troops, a base from which operations can be initiated (See also
fort)
{3}military installation:{4} a facility for use of and control by armed forces
{3}military school:{4} a school at which military science forms the core of the curriculum
{3}mill:{4} a building housing machines for transforming, shaping, finishing, grinding, or
extracting products
{3}mine:{4} a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits
and subterranean passages
{3}mine:{4} place or area from which commercial minerals are or were removed from the Earth; not
including oilfield (pit, quarry, shaft).
{3}mining area:{4} an area of mine sites where minerals and ores are extracted
{3}mining camp:{4} a camp used by miners
{3}mission:{4} a place characterized by dwellings, school, church, hospital and other facilities
operated by a religious group for the purpose of providing charitable services and to propagate
religion
{3}mole:{4} a massive structure of masonry or large stones serving as a pier or breakwater
{3}monastery:{4} building and grounds where a community of monks lives in seclusion
{3}monument:{4} a commemorative structure or statue
{3}moor:{4} an area of open ground overlaid with wet peaty soils
{3}moraine:{4} a mound, ridge, or other accumulation of glacial till
{3}mosque:{4} a building for public Islamic worship
{3}mound:{4} a low, isolated, rounded hill (in the Middle East, mounds are often the site of
ancient city ruins)
{3}mountain:{4} an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with a small summit area,
steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more
{3}mountains:{4} a mountain range or a group of mountains or high ridges
{3}mud flat:{4} a relatively level area of mud either between high and low tide lines, or subject
to flooding
{3}munitions plant:{4} a factory where ammunition is made
{3}museum:{4} a building where objects of permanent interest in one or more of the arts and
sciences are preserved and exhibited
{3}narrows:{4} a navigable narrow part of a bay, trait, river, etc.
{3}natural tunnel:{4} a cave that is open at both ends
{3}nature reserve:{4} an area reserved for the maintenance of natural habitat
{3}naval base:{4} an area used to store supplies, provide barracks for troops and naval personnel,
a port for naval vessels, and from which operations are initiated
{3}navigation canal:{4} a watercourse constructed for navigation of vessels
{3}navigation channel:{4} a buoyed channel of sufficient depth for the safe navigation of vessels
{3}nickel mine:{4} a mine where nickel ore is extracted
{3}novitiate:{4} a religious house or school where novices are trained
{3}nunatak:{4} a rock or mountain peak protruding through glacial ice
{3}nursery:{4} a place where plants are propagated for transplanting or grafting
{3}oasis:{4} an area in a desert made productive by the availability of water
{3}observation point:{4} a wildlife or scenic observation point
{3}observatory:{4} a facility equipped for observation of atmospheric or space phenomena
{3}ocean:{4} one of the major divisions of the vast expanse of salt water covering part of the earth
{3}oil camp:{4} a camp used by oilfield workers
{3}oil palm plantation:{4} an estate specializing in the cultivation of oil palm trees
{3}oil pipeline:{4} a pipeline used for transporting oil
{3}oil pipeline junction:{4} a section of an oil pipeline where two or more pipes join together
{3}oil pipeline terminal:{4} a tank farm or loading facility at the end of an oil pipeline
{3}oil pumping station:{4} a facility for pumping oil through a pipeline
{3}oil refinery:{4} a facility for converting crude oil into refined petroleum products
{3}oil well:{4} a well from which oil may be pumped
{3}oilfield:{4} an area containing a subterranean store of petroleum of economic value
{3}oilfield:{4} area where petroleum is or was removed from the Earth.
{3}olive grove:{4} a planting of olive trees
{3}olive oil mill:{4} a mill where oil is extracted from olives
{3}orchard:{4} a planting of fruit or nut trees
{3}ore treatment plant:{4} a facility for improving the metal content of ore by concentration
{3}overfalls:{4} an area of breaking waves caused by the meeting of currents or by waves moving
against the current
{3}oxbow lake:{4} a crescent-shaped lake commonly found adjacent to meandering streams
{3}pagoda:{4} a tower-like storied structure, usually a Buddhist shrine
{3}palace:{4} a large stately house, often a royal or presidential residence
{3}palm grove:{4} a planting of palm trees
{3}palm tree reserve:{4} an area of palm trees where use is controlled
{3}pan:{4} a near-level shallow, natural depression or basin, usually containing an intermittent
lake, pond, or pool
{3}parish:{4} an ecclesiastical district
{3}park:{4} an area, often of forested land, maintained as a place of beauty, or for recreation
{3}park:{4} place or area set aside for recreation or preservation of a cultural or natural
resource and under some form of government administration; not including National or State forests
or reserves
{3}park gate:{4} a controlled access to a park
{3}park headquarters:{4} a park administrative facility
{3}parking lot:{4} an area used for parking vehicles
{3}pass:{4} (gap) low point or opening between hills or mountains or in a ridge or mountain range
(col, notch, pass, saddle, water gap, wind gap).
{3}pass:{4} a break in mountain range or other high obstruction, used for transportation from one
side to the other (See also gap)
{3}patrol post:{4} a post from which patrols are sent out
{3}peak:{4} a pointed elevation atop a mountain, ridge, or other hypsographic feature
{3}peat cutting area:{4} an area where peat is harvested
{3}peninsula:{4} an elongated area of land projecting into a body of water and nearly surrounded
by water
{3}petroleum basin:{4} an area underlain by an oil-rich structural basin
{3}phosphate works:{4} a facility for producing fertilizer
{3}pier:{4} a structure built out into navigable water on piles providing berthing for ships and
recreation
{3}pillar:{4} vertical, standing, often spire-shaped, natural rock formation (chimney, monument,
pinnacle, pokaku, rock tower).
{3}pine grove:{4} a planting of pine trees
{3}placer mine:{4} a place where heavy metals are concentrated and running water is used to
extract them from unconsolidated sediments
{3}plain:{4} an extensive area of comparatively level to gently undulating land, lacking
surface irregularities, and usually adjacent to a higher area
{3}plain:{4} a region of general uniform slope, comparatively level and of considerable extent
(grassland, highland, kula, plateau, upland).
{3}plateau:{4} (plain) a region of general uniform slope, comparatively level and of considerable
extent (grassland, highland, kula, plateau, upland).
{3}plateau:{4} an elevated plain with steep slopes on one or more sides, and often with incised
streams
{3}point:{4} a tapering piece of land projecting into a body of water, less prominent than a cape
{3}point:{4} projection of land extending into a body of water (lea, neck, peninsula, point).
{3}polder:{4} an area reclaimed from the sea by diking and draining
{3}police post:{4} building in which police are stationed
{3}pond:{4} a small standing waterbody
{3}pool:{4} a small and comparatively still, deep part of a larger body of water such as a stream
or harbor; or a small body of standing water
{3}populated locality:{4} an area similar to a locality but with a small group of dwellings or
other buildings
{3}populated place:{4} a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live
and work
{3}port:{4} a place provided with terminal and transfer facilities for loading and discharging
waterborne cargo or passengers, usually located in a harbor
{3}portage:{4} a place where boats, goods, etc., are carried overland between navigable waters
{3}post office:{4} a public building in which mail is received, sorted and distributed
{3}power station:{4} a facility for generating electric power
{3}prison:{4} a facility for confining prisoners
{3}promenade:{4} a place for public walking, usually along a beach front
{3}promotory:{4} a bluff or prominent hill overlooking or projecting into a lowland (For coastal
promontory, see headland)
{3}pyramid:{4} an ancient massive structure of square ground plan with four triangular faces
meeting at a point and used for enclosing tombs
{3}quarry:{4} a surface mine where building stone or gravel and sand, etc. are extracted
{3}quay:{4} a structure of solid construction along a shore or bank which provides berthing for
ships and which generally provides cargo handling facilities (Use wharf for a similar feature of
open construction)
{3}quicksand:{4} an area where loose sand with water moving through it may become unstable when
heavy objects are placed at the surface, causing them to sink
{3}racetrack:{4} a tract where races are held
{3}radio observatory:{4} a facility equipped with an array of antennae for receiving radio waves
from space
{3}radio station:{4} a facility for producing and transmitting information by radio waves
{3}railroad:{4} a permanent twin steel-rail tract on which freight and passenger cars move long
distances
{3}railroad junction:{4} a place where two or more railroad tracts join
{3}railroad siding:{4} a short track parallel to and joining the main track
{3}railroad station:{4} a facility comprising ticket office, platforms, etc. for loading and
unloading train passengers and freight
{3}railroad stop:{4} a place lacking station facilities where trains stop to pick up and unload
passengers and freight
{3}railroad tunnel:{4} a tunnel through which a railroad passes
{3}railroad yard:{4} a system of tracks used for the making up of trains, and switching and storing
freight cars
{3}ranch:{4} a large farm specializing in extensive grazing of livestock
{3}range:{4} chain of hills or mountains; a somewhat linear, complex mountainous or hilly area
(cordillera, sierra).
{3}rapids:{4} a turbulent section of a stream associated with a steep, irregular stream bed
{3}rapids:{4} fast-flowing section of a stream, often shallow and with exposed rock or boulders
(riffle, ripple).
{3}ravine:{4} a small, narrow, deep, steep-sided stream channel, smaller than a gorge
{3}ravine:{4} linear depression in the Earth's surface that generally slopes from one end to the
other (barranca, canyon, chasm, cove, draw, glen, gorge, gulch, gulf, hollow, ravine).
{3}reach:{4} straight section of a navigable stream or channel between two bends
{3}reef:{4} a surface-navigation hazard composed of consolidated material
{3}reformatory:{4} a facility for confining, training, and reforming young law offenders
{3}refugee camp:{4} a camp used by refugees
{3}region:{4} an area distinguished by one or more observable physical or cultural characteristics
{3}religious center:{4} a facility where more than one religious activity is carried out, e.g.,
retreat, school, monastery, worship
{3}religious populated place:{4} a populated place whose population is largely engaged in religious
occupations
{3}religious site:{4} an ancient site of significant religious importance
{3}research institute:{4} a facility where research is carried out
{3}reservation:{4} a tract of land set aside for aboriginal, tribal, or native populations
{3}reserve:{4} a tract of public land reserved for future use or restricted as to use
{3}reservoir:{4} artificially impounded body of water (lake, tank).
{3}resort:{4} specialized facility for vacation, health, or participation sports activities (A
resort with year-round population should be designated populated place)
{3}resthouse:{4} a structure maintained for the rest and shelter of travelers
{3}retreat:{4} a place of temporary seclusion, especially for religious groups
{3}ridge:{4} a long narrow elevation with steep sides, and a more or less continuous crest
{3}ridge:{4} elevation with a narrow, elongated crest which can be part of a hill or mountain
(crest, cuesta, escarpment, hogback, lae, rim, spur).
{3}road:{4} an open way with improved surface for transportation of animals, people and vehicles
{3}road bend:{4} a conspicuously curved or bent section of a road
{3}road cut:{4} an excavation cut through a hill or ridge for a road
{3}road junction:{4} a place where two or more roads join
{3}road tunnel:{4} a tunnel through which a road passes
{3}roadstead:{4} an open anchorage affording less protection than a harbor
{3}rock:{4} (island) area of dry or relatively dry land surrounded by water or low wetland
(archipelago, atoll, cay, hammock, isla, isle, key, moku, rock).
{3}rock:{4} a conspicuous, isolated rocky mass
{3}rock desert:{4} a relatively sand-free, high bedrock plateau in a hot desert, with or without
a gravel veneer
{3}rockfall:{4} an irregular mass of fallen rock at the base of a cliff or steep slope
{3}rookery:{4} a breeding place of a colony of birds or seals
{3}rubber plantation:{4} an estate which specializes in growing and tapping rubber trees
{3}ruin:{4} a destroyed or decayed structure which is no longer functional
{3}ruined bridge:{4} a destroyed or decayed bridge which is no longer functional
{3}ruined dam:{4} a destroyed or decayed dam which is no longer functional
{3}sabkha:{4} a salt flat or salt encrusted plain subject to periodic inundation from flooding or
high tides
{3}saddle:{4} a broad, open pass crossing a bridge or between hills or mountains
{3}salt area:{4} a shallow basin or flat where salt accumulates after periodic inundation
{3}salt evaporation ponds:{4} diked salt ponds used in the production of solar evaporated salt
{3}salt lake:{4} an inland body of salt water with no outlet
{3}salt marsh:{4} a flat area, subject to periodic salt water inundation, dominated by grassy
salt-tolerant plants
{3}salt mine:{4} a mine from which salt is extracted
{3}salt pond:{4} a small standing body of salt water often in a marsh or swamp, usually along a
seacoast
{3}sand area:{4} track of land covered with sand (See also sandy desert)
{3}sandy desert:{4} an extensive tract of shifting sand and sand dunes
{3}sanitarium:{4} a facility where victims of physical or mental disorder are treated
{3}satellite station:{4} a facility for tracking and communicating with orbiting satellites
{3}sawmill:{4} a mill where logs or lumber are sawn to specified shapes and sizes
{3}school:{4} building or group of buildings used as an institution for study, teaching, and
learning (academy, college, high school, university).
{3}school:{4} building where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place
{3}scientific research base:{4} a scientific facility used as a base from which research is
carried out or monitored
{3}scrubland:{4} an area of low trees, bushes, and shrubs stunted by some environmental limitation
{3}sea:{4} a large body of salt water more or less confined by continuous land or chains of islands
forming a subdivision of an ocean
{3}seaplane landing area:{4} a place on a waterbody where floatplanes land and take off
{3}sheepfold:{4} a fence or wall enclosure for sheep and other small herd animals
{3}shoal:{4} a surface-navigation hazard composed of unconsolidated material
{3}shoal:{4} (bar) natural accumulation of sand, gravel, or alluvium forming an underwater or
exposed embankment (ledge, reef, sandbar, shoal, spit).
{3}shore:{4} a narrow zone bordering a waterbody which covers and uncovers at high and low water,
respectively
{3}shrine:{4} a structure or place memorializing a person or religious concept
{3}sill:{4} the low part of an underwater gap or saddle separating basins, including a similar
feature at the mouth of a fjord
{3}sinkhole:{4} a small crater-shape depression in a karst area
{3}sisal plantation:{4} an estate that specializes in growing sisal
{3}slide:{4} a mound of earth material, at the base of a slope and the associated scoured area
{3}slope:{4} surface with a relatively uniform slope angle
{3}slope:{4} a gently inclined part of the Earth's surface (grade, pitch).
{3}slough:{4} (stream) linear body of water flowing on the Earth's surface (anabranch, awawa,
bayou, branch, brook, creek, distributary, fork, kill, pup, rio, river, run, slough).
{3}sluice:{4} conduit or passage for carrying off surplus water from a waterbody, usually regulated
by means of a sluice gate
{3}snowfield:{4} an area of permanent snow and ice forming the accumulation area of a glacier
{3}sound:{4} a long arm of the sea forming a channel between the mainland and an island or islands;
or connecting two larger bodies of water (larger than a strait)
{3}spa:{4} a resort area usually developed around a medicinal spring
{3}space center:{4} a facility for launching, tracking, or controlling satellites and space vehicles
{3}spillway:{4} a passage or outlet through which surplus water flows over, around or through a dam
{3}spit:{4} a narrow, straight or curved continuation of a beach into a waterbody
{3}spring:{4} place where underground water flows naturally to the surface of the Earth (seep).
{3}spur:{4} a subordinate ridge projecting outward from a hill, mountain or other elevation
{3}square:{4} broad, open, public area near the center of a town or city
{3}stable:{4} a building for the shelter and feeding of farm animals, especially horses
{3}stadium:{4} a structure with an enclosure for athletic games with tiers of seats for spectators
{3}steps:{4} stones or slabs placed for ease in ascending or descending a steep slope
{3}stock route:{4} a route taken by livestock herds
{3}stony desert:{4} a desert plain characterized by a surface veneer of gravel and stones
{3}storehouse:{4} a building for storing goods, especially provisions
{3}strait:{4} a relatively narrow waterway, usually narrower and less extensive than a sound,
connecting two larger bodies of water
{3}stream:{4} a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land
{3}stream:{4} linear body of water flowing on the Earth's surface (anabranch, awawa, bayou, branch,
brook, creek, distributary, fork, kill, pup, rio, river, run, slough).
{3}stream bank:{4} a sloping margin of a stream channel which normally confines the stream to its
channel on land
{3}stream bend:{4} a conspicuously curved or bent segment of a stream
{3}stream mouth:{4} a place where a stream discharges into a lagoon, lake, or the sea
{3}street:{4} a paved urban thoroughfare
{3}sub-surface dam:{4} a dam put down to bedrock in a sand river
{3}sugar mill:{4} a facility where sugar cane is processed into raw sugar
{3}sugar plantation:{4} an estate that specializes in growing sugar cane
{3}sugar refinery:{4} a facility for converting raw sugar into refined sugar
{3}sulphur spring:{4} a place where sulphur ground water flows naturally out of the ground
{3}summit:{4} prominent elevation rising above the surrounding level of the Earth's surface; does
not include pillars, ridges, or ranges (ahu, berg, bald, butte, cerro, colina, cone, cumbre, dome,
head, hill, horn, knob, knoll, mauna, mesa, sita, mound, mount, mountain, peak, puu, rock,
sugarloaf, table, volcano).
{3}swamp:{4} a wetland dominated by tree vegetation
{3}swamp:{4} poorly drained wetland, fresh or saltwater, wooded or grassy, possibly covered with
open water (bog, cienega, marais, marsh, pocosin).
{3}talus slope:{4} a steep concave slope formed by an accumulation of loose rock fragments at the
base of a cliff or steep slope
{3}tank farm:{4} tract of land occupied by large, cylindrical, metal tanks in which oil or liquid
petrochemicals are stored
{3}tea plantation:{4} an estate which specializes in growing tea bushes
{3}temple:{4} an edifice dedicated to religious worship
{3}terrace:{4} a long, narrow alluvial platform bounded by steeper slopes above and below, usually
overlooking a waterbody
{3}tidal creek:{4} a meandering channel in a coastal wetland subject to bi-directional tidal currents
{3}tidal flat:{4} a large flat area of mud or sand attached to the shore and alternately covered
and uncovered by the tide
{3}tin mine:{4} a mine where tin ore is extracted
{3}tomb:{4} a structure for interring bodies
{3}tower:{4} a high conspicuous structure, typically much higher than its diameter
{3}tower:{4} a manmade structure, higher than its diameter, generally used for observation, storage,
or electronic transmission.
{3}trail:{4} a path, track, or route used by pedestrians, animals, or off-road vehicles
{3}trail:{4} route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways (jeep
trail, path, ski trail).
{3}tree:{4} a conspicuous tree used as a landmark
{3}triangulation station:{4} a point on the earth whose position has been determined by triangulation
{3}tribal area:{4} a tract of land used by nomadic or other tribes
{3}tundra:{4} a marshy, treeless, high latitude plain, dominated by mosses, lichens, and low shrub
vegetation under permafrost conditions
{3}tunnel:{4} a subterranean passageway for transportation
{3}tunnel:{4} linear underground passageway open at both ends.
{3}underground irrigation canal:{4} a gently inclined underground tunnel bringing water for
irrigation from aquifers
{3}underground lake:{4} a standing body of water in a cave
{3}upland:{4} an extensive interior region of high land with low to moderate surface relief
{3}valley:{4} an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream
{3}valley:{4} linear depression in the Earth's surface that generally slopes from one end to the
other (barranca, canyon, chasm, cove, draw, glen, gorge, gulch, gulf, hollow, ravine).
{3}veterinary facility:{4} a building or camp at which veterinary services are available
{3}vineyard:{4} a planting of grapevines
{3}volcano:{4} a conical elevation composed of volcanic materials with a crater at the top
{3}wadi:{4} a valley or ravine, bounded by relatively steep banks, which in the rainy season
becomes a watercourse; found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East (See also intermittent
stream)
{3}wadi bend:{4} a conspicuously curved or bent segment of a wadi
{3}wadi junction:{4} place where two or more wadies join
{3}wadi mouth:{4} the lower terminus of a wadi where it widens into an adjoining floodplain,
depression, or waterbody
{3}wall:{4} thick masonry structure, usually enclosing a field or building, or forming the side
of a structure
{3}water mill:{4} a mill powered by running water
{3}water pumping station:{4} a facility for pumping water from a major well or through a pipeline
{3}water tank:{4} a contained pool or tank of water at, below, or above ground level
{3}watercourse:{4} a natural, well-defined channel produced by flowing water, or an artificial
channel designed to carry flowing water
{3}waterfall:{4} a perpendicular or very steep descent of the water of a stream
{3}waterhole:{4} a natural hole, hollow, or small depression that contains water, used by man and
animals, especially in arid areas
{3}waterworks:{4} a facility for supplying potable water through a water source and a system of
pumps and filtration beds
{3}weir:{4} a small dam in a stream, designed to raise the water level or to divert stream flow
through a desired channel
{3}well:{4} a cylindrical hole, pit, or tunnel drilled or dug down to a depth from which water,
oil, or gas can be pumped or brought to the surface
{3}well:{4} manmade shaft or hole in the Earth's surface used to obtain fluid or gaseous materials.
{3}wetland:{4} an area subject to inundation, usually characterized by bog, marsh, or swamp
vegetation
{3}whaling station:{4} a facility for butchering whales and processing train oil
{3}wharf:{4} a structure of open rather than solid construction along a shore or a bank which
provides berthing for ships and cargo-handling facilities (Use quay for similar features of
solid construction)
{3}whirlpool:{4} a turbulent, rotating movement of water in a stream
{3}wildlife reserve:{4} tract of public land reserved for the preservation of wildlife
{3}windmill:{4} a mill or water pump powered by wind
{3}woods:{4} small area covered with a dense growth of trees; does not include an area of trees
under the administration of a political agency (see forest).
{3}wreck:{4} the site of the remains of a wrecked vessel
{3}zoo:{4} a zoological garden or park where wild animals are kept for exhibition

{2}Undersea Features{4}

{3}apron:{4} a gentle slope, with a generally smooth surface, particularly found around groups
of islands and seamounts
{3}arc:{4} a low bulge around the southeastern end of the island of Hawaii (refers to Hawaiian
Arch; not to be applied to new features)
{3}arrugado:{4} an area of subdued corrugations off Baja California (refers to the Guadalupe
Arrugado; not to be applied to new features)
{3}bank:{4} an elevation, typically located on a shelf, over which the depth of water is relatively
shallow but sufficient for most surface navigation (20m or more deep)
{3}basin:{4} a depression more or less equidimensional in plan and of variable extent
{3}bench:{4} a small terrace
{3}borderland:{4} a region adjacent to a continent, normally occupied by or bordering a shelf, that
is highly irregular with depths well in excess of those typical of a shelf
{3}canyon:{4} a relatively narrow, deep depression with steep sides, the bottom of which generally
has a continuous slope
{3}continental rise:{4} a gentle slope rising from oceanic depths towards the foot of a continental
slope
{3}cordillera:{4} an entire mountain system including the subordinate ranges, interior plateaus,
and basins
{3}deep:{4} a deep hole in a trench (refers to Challenger Deep, Emden Deep, and Horizon Deep; not
to be applied to new features)
{3}escarpment (or Scarp):{4} an elongated and comparatively steep slope separating flat or gently
sloping areas
{3}fan:{4} a relatively smooth feature normally sloping away from the lower termination of a canyon
or canyon system
{3}flat:{4} a small level or nearly level area
{3}fork:{4} a branch of a canyon or valley
{3}fracture zone:{4} an extensive linear zone of irregular topography of the sea floor, characterized
by steep-sided or asymmetrical ridges, troughs, or escarpments
{3}furrow:{4} a closed, linear, narrow, shallow depression
{3}gully:{4} a small valley-like feature
{3}hill:{4} an elevation rising generally less than 500 meters
{3}hole:{4} a small depression of the sea floor
{3}knoll:{4} an elevation rising generally more than 500 meters and less than 1,000 meters and of
limited extent across the summit
{3}ledge:{4} a rocky projection or outcrop, commonly linear and near shore
{3}levee:{4} an embankment bordering a canyon, valley, or seachannel
{3}median valley:{4} the axial depression of the mid-oceanic ridge system
{3}mesa:{4} an isolated, extensive, flat-topped elevation on the shelf, with relatively steep sides
{3}moat:{4} an angular depression that may not be continuous, located at the base of many seamounts,
islands, and other isolated elevations
{3}mound:{4} a low, isolated, rounded hill
{3}mountain:{4} a well-delineated subdivision of a large and complex positive feature
{3}peak:{4} a prominent elevation, part of a larger feature, either pointed or of very limited extent
across the summit
{3}pinnacle:{4} a high tower or spire-shaped pillar or rock or coral, alone or cresting a summit
{3}plain:{4} a flat, gently sloping or nearly level region
{3}plateau:{4} a comparatively flat-topped feature of considerable extent, dropping off abruptly on
one or more sides
{3}platform:{4} a flat or gently sloping underwater surface extending seaward from the shore
{3}province:{4} a region identifiable by a group of similar physiographic features whose
characteristics are markedly in contrast with surrounding areas
{3}ramp:{4} a gentle slope connecting areas of different elevations
{3}range:{4} series of associated ridges or seamounts
{3}ravine:{4} a small canyon
{3}ridge:{4} a long narrow elevation with steep sides
{3}rise:{4} a broad elevation that rises gently, and generally smoothly, from the sea floor
{3}saddle:{4} a low part, resembling in shape a saddle, in a ridge or between contiguous seamounts
{3}seachannel:{4} a continuously sloping, elongated depression commonly found in fans or plains and
customarily bordered by levees on one or two sides
{3}seamount:{4} an elevation rising generally more than 1,000 meters and of limited extent across
the summit
{3}shelf:{4} a zone adjacent to a continent (or around an island) that extends from the low water
line to a depth at which there is usually a marked increase of slope towards oceanic depths
{3}shelf edge:{4} a line along which there is a marked increase of slope at the outer margin of
a continental shelf or island shelf
{3}shelf valley:{4} a valley on the shelf, generally the shoreward extension of a canyon
{3}shoal:{4} a surface-navigation hazard composed of unconsolidated material (less than 20m deep)
{3}sill:{4} the low part of a gap or saddle separating basins
{3}slope:{4} the slope seaward from the shelf edge to the beginning of a continental rise or the
point where there is a general reduction in slope
{3}spur:{4} subordinate elevation, ridge, or rise projecting outward from a larger feature
{3}tablemount (or guyot):{4} a seamount having a comparatively smooth, flat top
{3}terrace:{4} a relatively flat horizontal or gently inclined surface, sometimes longand narrow,
which is bounded by a steeper ascending slope on one side and by a steep descending slope on the
opposite side
{3}tongue:{4} an elongated (tongue-like) extension of flat sea floor into an adjacent higher feature
{3}trench:{4} a long, narrow, characteristically very deep and asymmetrical depression of the sea
floor, with relatively steep sides
{3}trough:{4} a long depression of sea floor characteristically flat bottomed and steep sided, and
normally shallower than a trench
{3}valley:{4} a relatively shallow, wide depression, the bottom of which usually has a continuous
gradient. (This term is generally not used for features that have canyon-like characteristics for
a significant portion of their extent)

{2}Political designations{4}
{3}(as defined by the U.S. Department of State){4}

{3}dependent political entity:{4} an example is Gibraltar
{3}freely associated state:{4} examples are Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia
{3}independent political entity:{4} examples are Austria and Bolivia
{3}political entity:{4} examples are Taiwan and Western Sahara
{3}section of independent political entity:{4} an example is the Netherlands Antilles
{3}semi-independent political entity:{4} examples are the Cook Islands and Puerto Rico
{3}territory:{4} examples are Gaza Strip and West Bank
{3}zone:{4} an example is the Iraq-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone

{2}Common Mapping Terms:{4}

{3}Ellipsoid:{4} a geometric figure used to represent the earth's shape
represented as a surface of rotation of an ellipse about the shorter (minor)
axis. It can be thought of as being like a 'squashed' sphere. The earth is
not a perfect sphere, and the ellipsoid is a more accurate representation.
{3}Geoid:{4} a more accurate reprentation of the shape of the earth than a
a spheroid or ellipsoid. The earth is actually slightly 'pear-shaped' rather
than shaped like an ellipsoid.
{3}Graticule:{4} A grid of lines showing latitude and longitude over the top of
a map.
{3}Great circle:{4} a circle across the surface of the earth joining two points,
taking the shortest distance between the two points. An a flat map, this
line would look curved rather than straight because the measurement takes
into account the curvature of the surface of the earth.
{3}Latitude:{4} a vertical unit of measure used to describe coordinates on the
earth's surface. Latitude ranges from 90 degrees at the north pole to 0
degrees at the Equator, to -90 degrees at the south pole.
{3}Longitude:{4} A horizontal unit of measure used to describe coordinates on
the Earth's surface. Longitude ranges from 180 degrees West (also known
as -180 degrees) to 180 degrees East (+180 degrees), centered at 0 degrees
at Greenwich, England. The vertical line from the north to south pole at
0 degrees is also known as the Prime Meridian.
{3}Scale:{4} The ratio of distance on the surface of the Earth to it's representation
on a map. For example, 1:100,000 means every one distance unit on the map
represents 100,000 of the same distance units on the ground.
{3}Spheroid:{4} A shape defined as a sphere used to approximate the shape of the
Earth, typically used for mathematical calculations. See also Ellipsoid and
Geoid.
{3}Surface area:{4} A measurement of area on the ground, for example, one square
mile, one acre, one hectare, etc.
{3}Reticule:{4} Tick marks around the edge of a map showing latitude and longitude
values. See also Graticule.