Land Nav Task 3 - Identify Terrain Features on a Map
Standards: Identified the five major and three minor features on the map.

Hill, Figure C-5, Major

A point or small area of high ground from which the ground slopes down in all directions.

Contour lines forming concentric circles.

Ridge, Figure C-6 Major

A line of high ground with height variations along its crest.

Contour lines forming a U or V; closed end points away from high ground.

Valley, Figure C-7, Major

Reasonably level ground bordered on the sides by higher ground. Generally has maneuver room. Contains a stream.

Contour lines form U. Lines tend to parallel stream before crossing. Contour line crossing a stream always points upstream.

Saddle, Figure C-8, Major

A dip/low point along a ridge crest; either lower ground between two hill tops or a break in the level crest.

A saddle is normally represented as an hourglass.

Depression, Figure C-9, Major

Low point or hole in the ground with higher ground on all sides.

Closed contour lines that have tick marks pointing toward low ground.

Draw, Figure C-10, Minor

Like a valley but normally has less developed stream course. No level ground and little or no maneuver room. Ground slopes upward on the sides and toward the head of the draw.

Contour lines are V-shaped with the point of the V toward the head of the draw (high ground).

Table C-3. Major and minor terrain features

FEATURE

CHARACTERISTICS

MAP SYMBOL

Spur, Figure C-3, Minor

Short, continuously sloping line of higher ground jutting out the side of a ridge. Often Table C-3. Major and minor terrain features (continued)formed by parallel streams cutting draws down a ridge.

Contour lines depict a spur with the U or V pointing away from higher ground.

Cliff, Figure C-4, Minor

A vertical or near vertical slope.

Contour lines are close together or a ticked or “carrying” contour line (ticks point to lower ground).