The Topographic and Soil Maps of the United States

A comparison of United States topographic maps with the actual terrain shows a disregard of geographical differences in the use of vegetation symbols, contour lines and population centers. This is attributed to the fact that topographic technicians lack a geographic background. The county soil surveys of the United States evoke a great deal of admiration and praise, but the lack of a uniform soil classification enabling the compilation of generalized soil maps is deplored.