A topographic map shows natural and constructed features on the Earth's surface and added to this are names and boundaries of importance. The features or objects are represented on the map as symbols in different colours - as point symbols, lines and areas. The map maker uses different colours and symbols for each type of object in a way that will make it easy for the map user to identify. Below are examples of what can be found on a 1:50 000 topographical map with the standard symbols:

Road : National freeway	Trigonometrical beacon (with beacon number)
Road : National route	Urban built-up area
Road : Arterial route	Building (of significance or isolated)
Road : Main road	Bridge
Road : Secondary road	Cultivated land
Railway (showing a station)	Row of trees (where of significance)
River : Perennial (has water all year)	Wind pump
River : Non-perennial	Communication tower
Dam	Eroded area
Pan : Perennial	Boundary : International
Pan : Non-perennial	Boundary : Provincial
Pan : Dry	Boundary : Cadastral farm (original farm)
Canal	Boundary : Game reserve
Powerline (major lines only)	Boundary : State forest
Spot height (elevation at a point)	Contour

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