Description of Map Symbols and Codes

Mining overlay maps are identified by the 7½ minute quadrangle name shown in the lower right-hand corner of the map.

An attribute code, consisting of an alpha character or characters followed by a number, is assigned to each feature on the overlay map.  The alpha code refers to a specific permit number.  Alpha codes and the specific permit number to which they correspond are listed at the bottom of the overlay. The alpha codes are generally listed in alphabetic order and expand to multi-lettered codes (AA, BB etc.) to include all permits pertaining to a given quadrangle.  Adjacent maps which share the same permit boundary have, in most cases, the same alpha code on both maps.

The number which follows the alpha code is a one-, two- or three-digit number defining the major category in which a mining feature falls (i.e. mining, fill areas, haul roads, etc.). Often a sub-category is used to describe a mining feature in greater detail. Click on the link to view numeric permit mapping codes and corresponding descriptions.  Note: this document is in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).  You will need special software to view it, which you may download at no cost from Adobe.

An example of a feature attribute code is 'A-610'. The code refers to a sediment structure (6), embankment type (10), within the permit number assigned 'A'. Areas common to more than one permit number are labeled with the alpha character and feature attribute codes of both permit numbers with a comma placed between them.

Permit features are drawn as dashed lines, solid lines, dash-dot-dot lines, or single dots. Haul roads and railroads are drawn as dashed lines unless they correspond to the permit boundary, in which case the permit boundary takes precedence. Features that appear as solid lines or polygons include mining areas, fill/storage areas, permit boundary areas, face-ups, and reference areas. Points are used to represent features of small acreage such as sediment structures, monitoring points and underground mine openings. Underground mine shadow areas in Series IV and V appear as long dashes separated by dots. Series VI underground areas are indicated by hatched lines. Areas of less than full recovery have a greater opening between hatch marks, and recovery percentage is indicated.

Revisions which delete portions of the original boundary (Series I-V) were added to the overlays by drafting diagonal lines through the area to be deleted. In addition to the features mapped on previous overlays, Series IV, V and VI overlays include a delineation of the proposed area encompassed by underground mining activities.

Series VI consists of three primary overlay sheets:

• Polygon Layer* - closed polygons - permit boundaries, etc.
• Line Data Layer - lineal lines - roads, conveyors, utilities, etc.
• Point Data Layer - small ponds, sampling sites, mine adits, etc.

*Overlying permits are drawn on separate sheets of mylar, thus there may be more than one polygon layer sheet. Addendum sheets are numbered sequentially.

This sample overlay map although not to scale, will identify the information and major features included on the overlays. Note:This document is in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).  You will need special software to view it, which you may download at no cost from Adobe.