Federal Aviation
Administration
Aeronautical Information Services
Aeronautical Chart
Users’ Guide
Effective as of 12 June 2025
,
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 6
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT..............................................................................................6
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE AND UPDATES................................................6
COLOR VARIATION.....................................................................................................................6
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES.....................................................................................6
WHAT’S NEW?...................................................................................................... 8
VFR CHARTS...............................................................................................................................8
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS.............................................................................................................8
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP)........................................................................8
EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS............................................. 10
WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY)...................................................................................10
LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONS.............................................................10
LAND FEATURES - MOUNTAIN PASSES.................................................................................13
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................14
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................14
AIRSPACE..................................................................................................................................16
FOREIGN AREAS......................................................................................................................19
TERMINAL AREA CHART (TAC) COVERAGE..........................................................................20
INSET AND SPECIAL CHART COVERAGE..............................................................................20
CHART TABULATIONS..............................................................................................................20
VFR SECTIONAL AND TERMINAL AREA CHARTS......................................... 23
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................23
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................25
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................26
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................32
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................34
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................37
RELIEF.......................................................................................................................................40
VFR FLYWAY PLANNING CHARTS................................................................... 43
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................................43
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................43
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................43
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................44
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................47
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................48
BOUNDARIES............................................................................................................................48
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................48
RELIEF.......................................................................................................................................48
3
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
HELICOPTER ROUTE CHARTS......................................................................... 50
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................................50
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................50
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................51
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................52
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................55
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................56
CARIBBEAN VFR AERONAUTICAL CHARTS (CAC)....................................... 58
AIRSPACE........................................................................................................... 60
EXPLANATION OF IFR ENROUTE TERMS....................................................... 63
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................63
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................65
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................67
INSTRUMENT AIRWAYS...........................................................................................................68
FOREIGN AREAS......................................................................................................................72
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
TERRAIN CONTOURS ON AREA CHARTS..............................................................................73
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................75
IFR ENROUTE LOW / HIGH ALTITUDE SYMBOLS (U.S., PACIFIC AND ALASKA
CHARTS)............................................................................................................. 75
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................76
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................81
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................94
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................95
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................95
TOPOGRAPHY..........................................................................................................................95
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION............................................... 97
EXPLANATION OF TPP TERMS AND SYMBOLS....................................................................97
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE CHART..................................................................98
PLANVIEW...............................................................................................................................104
PROFILE VIEW........................................................................................................................ 115
LANDING MINIMUMS.............................................................................................................. 119
AIRPORT DIAGRAMS.............................................................................................................121
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DPs).......................................................................................123
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STARs) CHARTS.............................................................124
CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURE (CVFP) CHARTS................................................124
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION SYMBOLS.......................... 126
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................................126
PLANVIEW SYMBOLS............................................................................................................126
PROFILE VIEW........................................................................................................................128
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STAR) CHARTS...............................................................129
4
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTURE PROCEDURE (DP) CHARTS............................................................................130
AIRPORT DIAGRAM/AIRPORT SKETCH...............................................................................131
APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM............................................................................................132
REFERENCES................................................................................................... 135
ABBREVIATIONS.............................................................................................. 137
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
5
, INTRODUCTION
This Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aeronautical charts and publica-
tions. It is useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick reference guide.
The FAA is the source for all data and information utilized in the publishing of aeronautical charts through authorized pub-
lishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air navigation including training, plan-
ning, departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:
• VFR Charts
• IFR Charts
• Terminal Procedures Publication
• Chart Supplements
Paper copies of the charts are available through an FAA Approved Print Provider. A complete list of current providers is
available at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/print_providers/.
The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines all terms and abbreviations used
throughout this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, miles are nautical miles (NM), altitudes indicate feet above Mean
Sea Level (MSL), and times used are Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) alert pilots to time-critical aeronautical information that is either temporary or not sufficiently
known in advance to permit publication on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications. Pilots can access
NOTAM information via Flight Service Stations (FSS) or online via NOTAM Search at https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notam-
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
Search/.
In addition to NOTAMs, the Safety Alerts/Charting Notices page of the Aeronautical Information Services website is also
useful to pilots.
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT COLOR VARIATION
Aeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is impor- Although the digital files are compiled in accordance with
tant that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronau- charting specifications, the final product may vary slightly in
tical chart and publication. To avoid danger, it is important appearance due to differences in printing techniques/pro-
to always use current editions and discard obsolete cesses and/or digital display techniques.
charts and publications.
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES
To confirm that a chart or publication is current, refer to
the next scheduled edition date printed on the cover. Your experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is
Pilots should also check NOTAMs for important updates important. We make every effort to display accurate informa-
between chart and publication cycles that are essential tion on all FAA charts and publications, so we appreciate
for safe flight. your input. Please notify us concerning any requests for
changes, or potential discrepancies you see while using our
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE charts and related products.
AND UPDATES
FAA, Aeronautical Information Services
All information in this guide is effective as of 12 June 1305 East-West Highway
2025. All graphics used in this guide are for educational SSMC4, Room 3424
purposes. Chart symbology may not be to scale. Please Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281
do not use them for flight navigation.
Telephone Toll-Free 1-800-638-8972
Aeronautical Inquires: https://www.faa.gov/air_traf-
fic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Aeronautical_In-
quiries/
6
,FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
7
, WHAT’S NEW?
Update as of 12 June 2025
The following charting items have been added to the Chart Users’ Guide since the Guide was last published on 17 April
2025:
VFR CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP)
Taxiways on Airport Sketches:
Starting with the June 12, 2025 publication date, the grayscale taxiway data will be removed from instrument approach
procedure (IAP) airport sketches at airports that have an associated airport diagram.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
See the 25-02 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
Circiling Minima:
In 2012, there was a change to the TERPS criteria that affected the circling area dimension by expanding the areas to
provide improved obstacle protection. To indicate that the new criteria had been applied to a given procedure, a was
placed on the circling line of minimums. All circling areas have now been evaluated for the circling MDA protected area
radius as shown in the table in the TPP Legend. Users may ignore the presence of the symbol on charts, and it will
be removed on a day-forward basis. See the 25-05 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
Obstacles:
Starting with the June 12, 2025 publication date, the following obstacle information on Instrument Approach Procedures
(IAPs) and Airport Diagrams (ADs) will be removed:
• 67:1 slope obstacles (from IAPs)
• Spot elevations and highest obstacles from IAPs and ADs
Obstacles that are specifically requested for charting by the procedure specialist will continue to be charted on IAPs. See
the 25-04 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
8
,FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
9
, EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS
This chapter covers the Sectional Aeronautical Chart (Sectional). These charts include the most current data at a scale
of (1:500,000), which is large enough to be read easily by pilots flying by sight under Visual Flight Rules. Sectionals are
named after a major city within its area of coverage.
The chart legend includes aeronautical symbols and information about drainage, terrain, the contour of the land, and
elevation. You can learn to identify aeronautical, topographical, and obstruction symbols (such as radio and television tow-
ers) by using the legend.
A brief description next to a small black square indicates the exact location for many of the landmarks easily recognized
from the air, such as stadiums, pumping stations, refineries, etc. A small black open circle with descriptive type indicates
oil, gas or mineral wells. A small black circle with descriptive type indicates water, oil or gas tanks. The scale for some
items may be increased to make them easier to read on the chart.
Aeronautical Information Services' charts are prepared in accordance with specifications of the Interagency Air Committee
(IAC) and are approved by representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense
(DoD).
WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY)
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
Water features are depicted using two tones of blue, and are considered either "Open Water" or
"Inland Water." "Open Water," a lighter blue tone, shows the shoreline limitations of all coastal water
features at the average (mean) high water levels for oceans and seas. Light blue also represents the
connecting waters like bays, gulfs, sounds and large estuaries.
Exceptionally large lakes like the Great Lakes, Great Salt Lake, and Lake Okeechobee, etc., are considered Open Water
features. The Open Water tone extends inland as far as necessary to adjoin the darker blue "Inland Water" tones. All other
bodies of water are marked as "Inland Water" in the darker blue tone.
LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONS
The elevation and configuration of the Earth's surface is important to pilots. Our Aeronautical Information Specialists are
devoted to showing the contour of the earth and any obstructions clearly and accurately on our charts. We use five differ-
ent techniques: contour lines, shaded relief, color tints, obstruction symbols, and Maximum Elevation Figures (MEF).
1. Contour lines join points of equal elevation. On Sectionals, basic contours are spaced at
500' intervals. Intermediate contours are typically at 250' intervals in moderately level or
gently rolling areas. Auxiliary contours at 50', 100', 125', or 150' intervals occasionally
show smaller relief features in areas of relatively low relief. The pattern of these lines
and their spacing gives the pilot a visual concept of the terrain. Widely spaced contours represent gentle slopes,
while closely spaced contours represent steep slopes.
2. Shaded relief shows how terrain may appear from the air. Shadows are shown as if light is
coming from the northwest, because studies have shown that our visual perception has
been conditioned to this view.
10
Administration
Aeronautical Information Services
Aeronautical Chart
Users’ Guide
Effective as of 12 June 2025
,
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 6
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT..............................................................................................6
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE AND UPDATES................................................6
COLOR VARIATION.....................................................................................................................6
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES.....................................................................................6
WHAT’S NEW?...................................................................................................... 8
VFR CHARTS...............................................................................................................................8
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS.............................................................................................................8
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP)........................................................................8
EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS............................................. 10
WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY)...................................................................................10
LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONS.............................................................10
LAND FEATURES - MOUNTAIN PASSES.................................................................................13
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................14
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................14
AIRSPACE..................................................................................................................................16
FOREIGN AREAS......................................................................................................................19
TERMINAL AREA CHART (TAC) COVERAGE..........................................................................20
INSET AND SPECIAL CHART COVERAGE..............................................................................20
CHART TABULATIONS..............................................................................................................20
VFR SECTIONAL AND TERMINAL AREA CHARTS......................................... 23
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................23
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................25
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................26
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................32
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................34
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................37
RELIEF.......................................................................................................................................40
VFR FLYWAY PLANNING CHARTS................................................................... 43
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................................43
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................43
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................43
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................44
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................47
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................48
BOUNDARIES............................................................................................................................48
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................48
RELIEF.......................................................................................................................................48
3
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
HELICOPTER ROUTE CHARTS......................................................................... 50
GENERAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................................50
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................50
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................51
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................52
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................55
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................56
CARIBBEAN VFR AERONAUTICAL CHARTS (CAC)....................................... 58
AIRSPACE........................................................................................................... 60
EXPLANATION OF IFR ENROUTE TERMS....................................................... 63
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................63
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................65
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................67
INSTRUMENT AIRWAYS...........................................................................................................68
FOREIGN AREAS......................................................................................................................72
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
TERRAIN CONTOURS ON AREA CHARTS..............................................................................73
AIRPORTS.................................................................................................................................75
IFR ENROUTE LOW / HIGH ALTITUDE SYMBOLS (U.S., PACIFIC AND ALASKA
CHARTS)............................................................................................................. 75
RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION..................................................................................................76
AIRSPACE INFORMATION........................................................................................................81
NAVIGATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION.............................................................94
CULTURE...................................................................................................................................95
HYDROGRAPHY.......................................................................................................................95
TOPOGRAPHY..........................................................................................................................95
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION............................................... 97
EXPLANATION OF TPP TERMS AND SYMBOLS....................................................................97
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE CHART..................................................................98
PLANVIEW...............................................................................................................................104
PROFILE VIEW........................................................................................................................ 115
LANDING MINIMUMS.............................................................................................................. 119
AIRPORT DIAGRAMS.............................................................................................................121
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DPs).......................................................................................123
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STARs) CHARTS.............................................................124
CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURE (CVFP) CHARTS................................................124
U.S. TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATION SYMBOLS.......................... 126
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................................126
PLANVIEW SYMBOLS............................................................................................................126
PROFILE VIEW........................................................................................................................128
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STAR) CHARTS...............................................................129
4
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTURE PROCEDURE (DP) CHARTS............................................................................130
AIRPORT DIAGRAM/AIRPORT SKETCH...............................................................................131
APPROACH LIGHTING SYSTEM............................................................................................132
REFERENCES................................................................................................... 135
ABBREVIATIONS.............................................................................................. 137
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Table of Contents
5
, INTRODUCTION
This Chart Users’ Guide is an introduction to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aeronautical charts and publica-
tions. It is useful to new pilots as a learning aid, and to experienced pilots as a quick reference guide.
The FAA is the source for all data and information utilized in the publishing of aeronautical charts through authorized pub-
lishers for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) air navigation including training, plan-
ning, departures, enroute (for low and high altitudes), approaches, and taxiing charts. Digital charts are available online at:
• VFR Charts
• IFR Charts
• Terminal Procedures Publication
• Chart Supplements
Paper copies of the charts are available through an FAA Approved Print Provider. A complete list of current providers is
available at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/print_providers/.
The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Pilot/Controller Glossary defines all terms and abbreviations used
throughout this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, miles are nautical miles (NM), altitudes indicate feet above Mean
Sea Level (MSL), and times used are Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) alert pilots to time-critical aeronautical information that is either temporary or not sufficiently
known in advance to permit publication on aeronautical charts or in other operational publications. Pilots can access
NOTAM information via Flight Service Stations (FSS) or online via NOTAM Search at https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notam-
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
Search/.
In addition to NOTAMs, the Safety Alerts/Charting Notices page of the Aeronautical Information Services website is also
useful to pilots.
KEEP YOUR CHARTS CURRENT COLOR VARIATION
Aeronautical information changes rapidly, so it is impor- Although the digital files are compiled in accordance with
tant that pilots check the effective dates on each aeronau- charting specifications, the final product may vary slightly in
tical chart and publication. To avoid danger, it is important appearance due to differences in printing techniques/pro-
to always use current editions and discard obsolete cesses and/or digital display techniques.
charts and publications.
REPORTING CHART DISCREPANCIES
To confirm that a chart or publication is current, refer to
the next scheduled edition date printed on the cover. Your experience as a pilot is valuable and your feedback is
Pilots should also check NOTAMs for important updates important. We make every effort to display accurate informa-
between chart and publication cycles that are essential tion on all FAA charts and publications, so we appreciate
for safe flight. your input. Please notify us concerning any requests for
changes, or potential discrepancies you see while using our
EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHART USERS’ GUIDE charts and related products.
AND UPDATES
FAA, Aeronautical Information Services
All information in this guide is effective as of 12 June 1305 East-West Highway
2025. All graphics used in this guide are for educational SSMC4, Room 3424
purposes. Chart symbology may not be to scale. Please Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281
do not use them for flight navigation.
Telephone Toll-Free 1-800-638-8972
Aeronautical Inquires: https://www.faa.gov/air_traf-
fic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/Aeronautical_In-
quiries/
6
,FAA Chart Users’ Guide - Introduction
7
, WHAT’S NEW?
Update as of 12 June 2025
The following charting items have been added to the Chart Users’ Guide since the Guide was last published on 17 April
2025:
VFR CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
IFR ENROUTE CHARTS
No Significant Changes Applied
TERMINAL PROCEDURE PUBLICATION (TPP)
Taxiways on Airport Sketches:
Starting with the June 12, 2025 publication date, the grayscale taxiway data will be removed from instrument approach
procedure (IAP) airport sketches at airports that have an associated airport diagram.
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
See the 25-02 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
Circiling Minima:
In 2012, there was a change to the TERPS criteria that affected the circling area dimension by expanding the areas to
provide improved obstacle protection. To indicate that the new criteria had been applied to a given procedure, a was
placed on the circling line of minimums. All circling areas have now been evaluated for the circling MDA protected area
radius as shown in the table in the TPP Legend. Users may ignore the presence of the symbol on charts, and it will
be removed on a day-forward basis. See the 25-05 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
Obstacles:
Starting with the June 12, 2025 publication date, the following obstacle information on Instrument Approach Procedures
(IAPs) and Airport Diagrams (ADs) will be removed:
• 67:1 slope obstacles (from IAPs)
• Spot elevations and highest obstacles from IAPs and ADs
Obstacles that are specifically requested for charting by the procedure specialist will continue to be charted on IAPs. See
the 25-04 TERM Charting Notice for additional information.
8
,FAA Chart Users’ Guide - What’s New
9
, EXPLANATION OF VFR TERMS AND SYMBOLS
This chapter covers the Sectional Aeronautical Chart (Sectional). These charts include the most current data at a scale
of (1:500,000), which is large enough to be read easily by pilots flying by sight under Visual Flight Rules. Sectionals are
named after a major city within its area of coverage.
The chart legend includes aeronautical symbols and information about drainage, terrain, the contour of the land, and
elevation. You can learn to identify aeronautical, topographical, and obstruction symbols (such as radio and television tow-
ers) by using the legend.
A brief description next to a small black square indicates the exact location for many of the landmarks easily recognized
from the air, such as stadiums, pumping stations, refineries, etc. A small black open circle with descriptive type indicates
oil, gas or mineral wells. A small black circle with descriptive type indicates water, oil or gas tanks. The scale for some
items may be increased to make them easier to read on the chart.
Aeronautical Information Services' charts are prepared in accordance with specifications of the Interagency Air Committee
(IAC) and are approved by representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense
(DoD).
WATER FEATURES (HYDROGRAPHY)
FAA Chart Users’ Guide - VFR Terms and Symbols
Water features are depicted using two tones of blue, and are considered either "Open Water" or
"Inland Water." "Open Water," a lighter blue tone, shows the shoreline limitations of all coastal water
features at the average (mean) high water levels for oceans and seas. Light blue also represents the
connecting waters like bays, gulfs, sounds and large estuaries.
Exceptionally large lakes like the Great Lakes, Great Salt Lake, and Lake Okeechobee, etc., are considered Open Water
features. The Open Water tone extends inland as far as necessary to adjoin the darker blue "Inland Water" tones. All other
bodies of water are marked as "Inland Water" in the darker blue tone.
LAND FEATURES (TERRAIN) AND OBSTRUCTIONS
The elevation and configuration of the Earth's surface is important to pilots. Our Aeronautical Information Specialists are
devoted to showing the contour of the earth and any obstructions clearly and accurately on our charts. We use five differ-
ent techniques: contour lines, shaded relief, color tints, obstruction symbols, and Maximum Elevation Figures (MEF).
1. Contour lines join points of equal elevation. On Sectionals, basic contours are spaced at
500' intervals. Intermediate contours are typically at 250' intervals in moderately level or
gently rolling areas. Auxiliary contours at 50', 100', 125', or 150' intervals occasionally
show smaller relief features in areas of relatively low relief. The pattern of these lines
and their spacing gives the pilot a visual concept of the terrain. Widely spaced contours represent gentle slopes,
while closely spaced contours represent steep slopes.
2. Shaded relief shows how terrain may appear from the air. Shadows are shown as if light is
coming from the northwest, because studies have shown that our visual perception has
been conditioned to this view.
10
