By what other name is the USGS 1:24,000 scale topo map known?

• A. Quadrangle map
• B. Topographic atlas
• C. Relief chart
• D. Contour map

Answer: (A)

USGS 1:24,000-scale topo maps are known as quadrangle maps, or quadrangles. This naming comes from the sheets being designed to cover a rectangular geographic area bounded by latitude and longitude lines, formed into a four-corner “quad.” The 1:24,000 scale is the standard for a 7.5-minute series, so each sheet is a 7.5-minute quadrangle. That specific naming is why this title fits best.

The other terms don’t fit as the official way to refer to a single USGS topo sheet: a topographic atlas is a collection of maps, not an individual sheet; a relief chart is not the standard term used for these maps; a contour map describes the features shown but isn’t the name for the specific USGS product.