What symbol on a USGS map typically indicates a spot elevation?

• A. A hollow circle
• B. An X
• C. A triangle
• D. A square with a dot

Answer: (B)

Spot elevations mark the exact height at a specific point, so the map uses a simple, clear symbol to designate that precise location. On USGS topographic maps, that indicator is a small cross or X at the point, with the numerical elevation shown nearby. This makes it easy to read the exact height without ambiguity, even when contour lines pass nearby. Other shapes like a hollow circle, a triangle, or a square with a dot are used for different map features or annotations, not to denote a precise elevation at a point, so they wouldn’t be used to represent a spot elevation.