| Feature Designation Code |
Feature Designation Name |
Feature Designation Text |
Feature Class |
| ADM1 |
first-order administrative division |
a primary administrative division of a country, such as a state in the United States |
A - Administrative Region |
| ADM2 |
second-order administrative division |
a subdivision of a first-order administrative division |
A - Administrative Region |
| ADM3 |
third-order administrative division |
a subdivision of a second-order administrative division |
A - Administrative Region |
| ADM4 |
fourth-order administrative division |
a subdivision of a third-order administrative division |
A - Administrative Region |
| ADMD |
administrative division |
an administrative division of a country, undifferentiated as to administrative level |
A - Administrative Region |
| ADMF |
administrative facility |
a government building |
S - Spot Feature |
| AGRC |
agricultural colony |
a tract of land set aside for agricultural settlement |
L - Area |
| AGRF |
AGRICULTURAL FACILITY |
a building and/or tract of land used for improving agriculture |
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRB |
airbase |
an area used to store supplies, provide barracks for air force personnel, hangars and runways for aircraft, and from which operations are initiated |
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRF |
airfield |
a place on land where aircraft land and take off; no facilities provided for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo |
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRH |
heliport |
a place where helicopters land and take off |
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRP |
airport |
a place where aircraft regularly land and take off, with runways, navigational aids, and major facilities for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo |
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRQ |
abandoned airfield |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| AIRS |
seaplane landing area |
a place on a waterbody where floatplanes land and take off |
H - Hydrographic |
| AMTH |
amphitheater |
an oval or circular structure with rising tiers of seats about a stage or open space |
S - Spot Feature |
| ANCH |
anchorage |
an area where vessels may anchor |
H - Hydrographic |
| ANS |
ancient site |
a place where archeological remains, old structures, or cultural artifacts are located |
S - Spot Feature |
| APNU |
apron |
a gentle slope, with a generally smooth surface, particularly found around groups of islands and seamounts |
U - Undersea |
| ARCH |
arch |
a natural or man-made structure in the form of an arch |
S - Spot Feature |
| ARCU |
arch |
a low bulge around the southeastern end of the island of Hawaii |
U - Undersea |
| AREA |
area |
a tract of land without homogeneous character or boundaries |
L - Area |
| ARRU |
arrugado |
an area of subdued corrugations off Baja California |
U - Undersea |
| ASPH |
asphalt lake |
a small basin containing naturally occurring asphalt |
T - Hypsographic |
| ASTR |
astronomical station |
a point on the earth whose position has been determined by observations of celestial bodies |
S - Spot Feature |
| ASYL |
asylum |
a facility where the insane are cared for and protected |
S - Spot Feature |
| ATHF |
athletic field |
a tract of land used for playing team sports, and athletic track and field events |
S - Spot Feature |
| ATOL |
atoll(s) |
a ring-shaped coral reef which has closely spaced islands on it encircling a lagoon |
T - Hypsographic |
| BAR |
bar |
a shallow ridge or mound of coarse unconsolidated material in a stream channel, at the mouth of a stream, estuary, or lagoon and in the wave-break zone along coasts |
T - Hypsographic |
| BAY |
bay |
a coastal indentation between two capes or headlands, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf |
H - Hydrographic |
| BAYS |
bays |
coastal indentations between two capes or headlands, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf |
H - Hydrographic |
| BCH |
beach |
a shore zone of coarse unconsolidated sediment that extends from the low-water line to the highest reach of storm waves |
T - Hypsographic |
| BCHS |
beaches |
a shore zone of coarse unconsolidated sediment that extends from the low-water line to the highest reach of storm waves |
T - Hypsographic |
| BCN |
beacon |
a fixed artificial navigation mark |
S - Spot Feature |
| BDG |
bridge |
a structure erected across an obstacle such as a stream, road, etc., in order to carry roads, railroads, and pedestrians across |
S - Spot Feature |
| BDGQ |
ruined bridge |
a destroyed or decayed bridge which is no longer functional |
S - Spot Feature |
| BDLD |
badlands |
an area characterized by a maze of very closely spaced, deep, narrow, steep-sided ravines, and sharp crests and pinnacles |
T - Hypsographic |
| BDLU |
borderland |
a region adjacent to a continent, normally occupied by or bordering a shelf, that is highly irregular with depths well in excess of those typical of a shelf |
U - Undersea |
| BGHT |
bight(s) |
an open body of water forming a slight recession in a coastline |
H - Hydrographic |
| BKSU |
banks |
elevations, typically located on a shelf, over which the depth of water is relatively shallow but sufficient for safe surface navigation |
U - Undersea |
| BLDG |
building(s) |
a structure built for permanent use, as a house, factory, etc. |
S - Spot Feature |
| BLDR |
boulder field |
a high altitude or high latitude bare, flat area covered with large angular rocks |
T - Hypsographic |
| BLHL |
blowhole(s) |
a hole in coastal rock through which sea water is forced by a rising tide or waves and spurted through an outlet into the air |
T - Hypsographic |
| BLOW |
blowout(s) |
a small depression in sandy terrain, caused by wind erosion |
T - Hypsographic |
| BNCH |
bench |
a long, narrow bedrock platform bounded by steeper slopes above and below, usually overlooking a waterbody |
T - Hypsographic |
| BNCU |
bench |
a small terrace |
U - Undersea |
| BNK |
bank(s) |
an elevation, typically located on a shelf, over which the depth of water is relatively shallow but sufficient for most surface navigation |
H - Hydrographic |
| BNKR |
stream bank |
a sloping margin of a stream channel which normally confines the stream to its channel on land |
H - Hydrographic |
| BNKU |
bank |
an elevation, typically located on a shelf, over which the depth of water is relatively shallow but sufficient for safe surface navigation |
U - Undersea |
| BNKX |
section of bank |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| BOG |
bog(s) |
a wetland characterized by peat forming sphagnum moss, sedge, and other acid-water plants |
H - Hydrographic |
| BP |
boundary marker |
a fixture marking a point along a boundary |
S - Spot Feature |
| BRKS |
barracks |
a building for lodging military personnel |
S - Spot Feature |
| BRKW |
breakwater |
a structure erected to break the force of waves at the entrance to a harbor or port |
S - Spot Feature |
| BSND |
drainage basin |
an area drained by a stream |
L - Area |
| BSNP |
petroleum basin |
an area underlain by an oil-rich structural basin |
L - Area |
| BSNU |
basin |
a depression more or less equidimensional in plan and of variable extent |
U - Undersea |
| BSTN |
baling station |
a facility for baling agricultural products |
S - Spot Feature |
| BTL |
battlefield |
a site of a land battle of historical importance |
L - Area |
| BTYD |
boatyard |
a waterside facility for servicing, repairing, and building small vessels |
S - Spot Feature |
| BUR |
burial cave(s) |
a cave used for human burials |
S - Spot Feature |
| BUSH |
bush(es) |
a small clump of conspicuous bushes in an otherwise bare area |
V - Vegetation |
| BUTE |
butte(s) |
a small, isolated, usually flat-topped hill with steep sides |
T - Hypsographic |
| CAPE |
cape |
a land area, more prominent than a point, projecting into the sea and marking a notable change in coastal direction |
T - Hypsographic |
| CAPG |
icecap |
a dome-shaped mass of glacial ice covering an area of mountain summits or other high lands; smaller than an ice sheet |
H - Hydrographic |
| CARN |
cairn |
a heap of stones erected as a landmark or for other purposes |
S - Spot Feature |
| CAVE |
cave(s) |
an underground passageway or chamber, or cavity on the side of a cliff |
S - Spot Feature |
| CDAU |
cordillera |
an entire mountain system including the subordinate ranges, interior plateaus, and basins |
U - Undersea |
| CFT |
cleft(s) |
a deep narrow slot, notch, or groove in a coastal cliff |
T - Hypsographic |
| CH |
church |
a building for public Christian worship |
S - Spot Feature |
| CHN |
channel |
the deepest part of a stream, bay, lagoon, or strait, through which the main current flows |
H - Hydrographic |
| CHNL |
lake channel(s) |
that part of a lake having water deep enough for navigation between islands, shoals, etc. |
H - Hydrographic |
| CHNM |
marine channel |
that part of a body of water deep enough for navigation through an area otherwise not suitable |
H - Hydrographic |
| CHNN |
navigation channel |
a buoyed channel of sufficient depth for the safe navigation of vessels |
H - Hydrographic |
| CLDA |
caldera |
a depression measuring kilometers across formed by the collapse of a volcanic mountain |
T - Hypsographic |
| CLF |
cliff(s) |
a high, steep to perpendicular slope overlooking a waterbody or lower area |
T - Hypsographic |
| CLG |
clearing |
an area in a forest with trees removed |
L - Area |
| CMN |
common |
a park or pasture for community use |
L - Area |
| CMP |
camp(s) |
a site occupied by tents, huts, or other shelters for temporary use |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPL |
logging camp |
a camp used by loggers |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPLA |
labor camp |
a camp used by migrant or temporary laborers |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPMN |
mining camp |
a camp used by miners |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPO |
oil camp |
a camp used by oilfield workers |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPQ |
abandoned camp |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| CMPRF |
refugee camp |
a camp used by refugees |
S - Spot Feature |
| CMTY |
cemetery |
a burial place or ground |
S - Spot Feature |
| CNFL |
confluence |
a place where two or more streams or intermittent streams flow together |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNL |
canal |
an artificial watercourse |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLA |
aqueduct |
a conduit used to carry water |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLB |
canal bend |
a conspicuously curved or bent section of a canal |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLD |
drainage canal |
an artificial waterway carrying water away from a wetland or from drainage ditches |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLI |
irrigation canal |
a canal which serves as a main conduit for irrigation water |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLN |
navigation canal(s) |
a watercourse constructed for navigation of vessels |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLQ |
abandoned canal |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLSB |
underground irrigation canal(s) |
a gently inclined underground tunnel bringing water for irrigation from aquifers |
H - Hydrographic |
| CNLX |
section of canal |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| CNS |
concession area |
a lease of land by a government for economic development, e.g., mining, forestry |
L - Area |
| CNSU |
canyons |
relatively narrow, deep depressions with steep sides, the bottom of which generally has a continuous slope |
U - Undersea |
| CNYN |
canyon |
a deep, narrow valley with steep sides cutting into a plateau or mountainous area |
T - Hypsographic |
| CNYU |
canyon |
a relatively narrow, deep depression with steep sides, the bottom of which generally has a continuous slope |
U - Undersea |
| COLF |
coalfield |
a region in which coal deposits of possible economic value occur |
L - Area |
| COMC |
communication center |
a facility, including buildings, antennae, towers and electronic equipment for receiving and transmitting information |
S - Spot Feature |
| CONE |
cone(s) |
a conical landform composed of mud or volcanic material |
T - Hypsographic |
| COVE |
cove(s) |
a small coastal indentation, smaller than a bay |
H - Hydrographic |
| CRDR |
corridor |
a strip or area of land having significance as an access way |
T - Hypsographic |
| CRKT |
tidal creek(s) |
a meandering channel in a coastal wetland subject to bi-directional tidal currents |
H - Hydrographic |
| CRNT |
current |
a horizontal flow of water in a given direction with uniform velocity |
H - Hydrographic |
| CRQ |
cirque |
a bowl-like hollow partially surrounded by cliffs or steep slopes at the head of a glaciated valley |
T - Hypsographic |
| CRQS |
cirques |
bowl-like hollows partially surrounded by cliffs or steep slopes at the head of a glaciated valley |
T - Hypsographic |
| CRRL |
corral(s) |
a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing animals |
S - Spot Feature |
| CRSU |
continental rise |
a gentle slope rising from oceanic depths towards the foot of a continental slope |
U - Undersea |
| CRTR |
crater(s) |
a generally circular saucer or bowl-shaped depression caused by volcanic or meteorite explosive action |
T - Hypsographic |
| CSNO |
casino |
a building used for entertainment, especially gambling |
S - Spot Feature |
| CST |
coast |
a zone of variable width straddling the shoreline |
L - Area |
| CSTL |
castle |
a large fortified building or set of buildings |
S - Spot Feature |
| CSTM |
customs house |
a building in a port where customs and duties are paid, and where vessels are entered and cleared |
S - Spot Feature |
| CSWY |
causeway |
a raised roadway across wet ground or shallow water |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| CSWYQ |
former causeway |
a causeway no longer used for transportation |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| CTHSE |
courthouse |
a building in which courts of law are held |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRA |
atomic center |
a facility where atomic research is carried out |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRB |
business center |
a place where a number of businesses are located |
L - Area |
| CTRCM |
community center |
a facility for community recreation and other activities |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRF |
facility center |
a place where more than one facility is situated |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRM |
medical center |
a complex of health care buildings including two or more of the following: hospital, medical school, clinic, pharmacy, doctor's offices, etc. |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRR |
religious center |
a facility where more than one religious activity is carried out, e.g., retreat, school, monastery, worship |
S - Spot Feature |
| CTRS |
space center |
a facility for launching, tracking, or controlling satellites and space vehicles |
S - Spot Feature |
| CUET |
cuesta(s) |
an asymmetric ridge formed on tilted strata |
T - Hypsographic |
| CULT |
cultivated area |
an area under cultivation |
V - Vegetation |
| CUTF |
cutoff |
a channel formed as a result of a stream cutting through a meander neck |
H - Hydrographic |
| CVNT |
convent |
a building where a community of nuns lives in seclusion |
S - Spot Feature |
| DAM |
dam |
a barrier constructed across a stream to impound water |
S - Spot Feature |
| DAMQ |
ruined dam |
a destroyed or decayed dam which is no longer functional |
S - Spot Feature |
| DAMSB |
sub-surface dam |
a dam put down to bedrock in a sand river |
S - Spot Feature |
| DARY |
dairy |
a facility for the processing, sale and distribution of milk or milk products |
S - Spot Feature |
| DCK |
dock(s) |
a waterway between two piers, or cut into the land for the berthing of ships |
H - Hydrographic |
| DCKB |
docking basin |
a part of a harbor where ships dock |
H - Hydrographic |
| DCKD |
dry dock |
a dock providing support for a vessel, and means for removing the water so that the bottom of the vessel can be exposed |
S - Spot Feature |
| DCKY |
dockyard |
a facility for servicing, building, or repairing ships |
S - Spot Feature |
| DEPU |
deep |
a localized deep area within the confines of a larger feature, such as a trough, basin or trench |
U - Undersea |
| DEVH |
housing development |
a tract of land on which many houses of similar design are built according to a development plan |
L - Area |
| DIKE |
dike |
an earth or stone embankment usually constructed for flood or stream control |
S - Spot Feature |
| DLTA |
delta |
a flat plain formed by alluvial deposits at the mouth of a stream |
T - Hypsographic |
| DOMG |
icecap dome |
a comparatively elevated area on an icecap |
H - Hydrographic |
| DPOF |
fuel depot |
an area where fuel is stored |
S - Spot Feature |
| DPR |
depression(s) |
a low area surrounded by higher land and usually characterized by interior drainage |
T - Hypsographic |
| DPRG |
icecap depression |
a comparatively depressed area on an icecap |
H - Hydrographic |
| DSRT |
desert |
a large area with little or no vegetation due to extreme environmental conditions |
T - Hypsographic |
| DTCH |
ditch |
a small artificial watercourse dug for draining or irrigating the land |
H - Hydrographic |
| DTCHD |
drainage ditch |
a ditch which serves to drain the land |
H - Hydrographic |
| DTCHI |
irrigation ditch |
a ditch which serves to distribute irrigation water |
H - Hydrographic |
| DTCHM |
ditch mouth(s) |
an area where a drainage ditch enters a lagoon, lake or bay |
H - Hydrographic |
| DUNE |
dune(s) |
a wave form, ridge or star shape feature composed of sand |
T - Hypsographic |
| DVD |
divide |
a line separating adjacent drainage basins |
T - Hypsographic |
| EDGU |
shelf edge |
a line along which there is a marked increase of slope at the outer margin of a continental shelf or island shelf |
U - Undersea |
| ERG |
sandy desert |
an extensive tract of shifting sand and sand dunes |
T - Hypsographic |
| ESCU |
escarpment (or scarp) |
an elongated and comparatively steep slope separating flat or gently sloping areas |
U - Undersea |
| EST |
estate(s) |
a large commercialized agricultural landholding with associated buildings and other facilities |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTB |
banana plantation |
an estate that specializes in the growing of bananas |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTC |
cotton plantation |
an estate specializing in the cultivation of cotton |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTO |
oil palm plantation |
an estate specializing in the cultivation of oil palm trees |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTR |
rubber plantation |
an estate which specializes in growing and tapping rubber trees |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTSG |
sugar plantation |
an estate that specializes in growing sugar cane |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTSL |
sisal plantation |
an estate that specializes in growing sisal |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTT |
tea plantation |
an estate which specializes in growing tea bushes |
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTX |
section of estate |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| ESTY |
estuary |
a funnel-shaped stream mouth or embayment where fresh water mixes with sea water under tidal influences |
H - Hydrographic |
| FAN |
fan(s) |
a fan-shaped wedge of coarse alluvium with apex merging with a mountain stream bed and the fan spreading out at a low angle slope onto an adjacent plain |
T - Hypsographic |
| FANU |
fan |
a relatively smooth feature normally sloping away from the lower termination of a canyon or canyon system |
U - Undersea |
| FCL |
facility |
a building or buildings housing a center, institute, foundation, hospital, prison, mission, courthouse, etc. |
S - Spot Feature |
| FISH |
fishing area |
a fishing ground, bank or area where fishermen go to catch fish |
H - Hydrographic |
| FJD |
fjord |
a long, narrow, steep-walled, deep-water arm of the sea at high latitudes, usually along mountainous coasts |
H - Hydrographic |
| FJDS |
fjords |
long, narrow, steep-walled, deep-water arms of the sea at high latitudes, usually along mountainous coasts |
H - Hydrographic |
| FLD |
field(s) |
an open as opposed to wooded area |
L - Area |
| FLDI |
irrigated field(s) |
a tract of level or terraced land which is irrigated |
L - Area |
| FLLS |
waterfall(s) |
a perpendicular or very steep descent of the water of a stream |
H - Hydrographic |
| FLLSX |
section of waterfall(s) |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| FLTM |
mud flat(s) |
a relatively level area of mud either between high and low tide lines, or subject to flooding |
H - Hydrographic |
| FLTT |
tidal flat(s) |
a large flat area of mud or sand attached to the shore and alternately covered and uncovered by the tide |
H - Hydrographic |
| FLTU |
flat |
a small level or nearly level area |
U - Undersea |
| FNDY |
foundry |
a building or works where metal casting is carried out |
S - Spot Feature |
| FORD |
ford |
a shallow part of a stream which can be crossed on foot or by land vehicle |
T - Hypsographic |
| FRKU |
fork |
a branch of a canyon or valley |
U - Undersea |
| FRM |
farm |
a tract of land with associated buildings devoted to agriculture |
S - Spot Feature |
| FRMQ |
abandoned farm |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| FRMS |
farms |
tracts of land with associated buildings devoted to agriculture |
S - Spot Feature |
| FRMT |
farmstead |
the buildings and adjacent service areas of a farm |
S - Spot Feature |
| FRST |
forest(s) |
an area dominated by tree vegetation |
V - Vegetation |
| FRSTF |
fossilized forest |
a forest fossilized by geologic processes and now exposed at the earth's surface |
V - Vegetation |
| FRSU |
forks |
a branch of a canyon or valley |
U - Undersea |
| FRZU |
fracture zone |
an extensive linear zone of irregular topography of the sea floor, characterized by steep-sided or asymmetrical ridges, troughs, or escarpments |
U - Undersea |
| FSR |
fissure |
a crack associated with volcanism |
T - Hypsographic |
| FT |
fort |
a defensive structure or earthworks |
S - Spot Feature |
| FURU |
furrow |
a closed, linear, narrow, shallow depression |
U - Undersea |
| FY |
ferry |
a boat or other floating conveyance and terminal facilities regularly used to transport people and vehicles across a waterbody |
S - Spot Feature |
| GAP |
gap |
a low place in a ridge, not used for transportation |
T - Hypsographic |
| GAPU |
gap |
a narrow break in a ridge or rise |
U - Undersea |
| GASF |
gasfield |
an area containing a subterranean store of natural gas of economic value |
L - Area |
| GATE |
gate |
a controlled access entrance or exit |
S - Spot Feature |
| GDN |
garden(s) |
an enclosure for displaying selected plant or animal life |
S - Spot Feature |
| GHSE |
guest house |
a house used to provide lodging for paying guests |
S - Spot Feature |
| GLCR |
glacier(s) |
a mass of ice, usually at high latitudes or high elevations, with sufficient thickness to flow away from the source area in lobes, tongues, or masses |
H - Hydrographic |
| GLYU |
gully |
a small valley-like feature |
U - Undersea |
| GOSP |
gas-oil separator plant |
a facility for separating gas from oil |
S - Spot Feature |
| GRAZ |
grazing area |
an area of grasses and shrubs used for grazing |
L - Area |
| GRGE |
gorge(s) |
a short, narrow, steep-sided section of a stream valley |
T - Hypsographic |
| GRSLD |
grassland |
an area dominated by grass vegetation |
V - Vegetation |
| GRVC |
coconut grove |
a planting of coconut trees |
V - Vegetation |
| GRVE |
grave |
a burial site |
S - Spot Feature |
| GRVO |
olive grove |
a planting of olive trees |
V - Vegetation |
| GRVP |
palm grove |
a planting of palm trees |
V - Vegetation |
| GRVPN |
pine grove |
a planting of pine trees |
V - Vegetation |
| GULF |
gulf |
a large recess in the coastline, larger than a bay |
H - Hydrographic |
| GVL |
gravel area |
an area covered with gravel |
L - Area |
| GYSR |
geyser |
a type of hot spring with intermittent eruptions of jets of hot water and steam |
H - Hydrographic |
| HBR |
harbor(s) |
a haven or space of deep water so sheltered by the adjacent land as to afford a safe anchorage for ships |
H - Hydrographic |
| HBRX |
section of harbor |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| HDLD |
headland |
a high projection of land extending into a large body of water beyond the line of the coast |
T - Hypsographic |
| HERM |
hermitage |
a secluded residence, usually for religious sects |
S - Spot Feature |
| HLL |
hill |
a rounded elevation of limited extent rising above the surrounding land with local relief of less than 300m |
T - Hypsographic |
| HLLS |
hills |
rounded elevations of limited extent rising above the surrounding land with local relief of less than 300m |
T - Hypsographic |
| HLLU |
hill |
an elevation rising generally less than 500 meters |
U - Undersea |
| HLSU |
hills |
elevations rising generally less than 500 meters |
U - Undersea |
| HLT |
halting place |
a place where caravans stop for rest |
S - Spot Feature |
| HMCK |
hammock(s) |
a patch of ground, distinct from and slightly above the surrounding plain or wetland. Often occurs in groups |
T - Hypsographic |
| HMDA |
rock desert |
a relatively sand-free, high bedrock plateau in a hot desert, with or without a gravel veneer |
T - Hypsographic |
| HOLU |
hole |
a small depression of the sea floor |
U - Undersea |
| HSE |
house(s) |
a building used as a human habitation |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSEC |
country house |
a large house, mansion, or chateau, on a large estate |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSP |
hospital |
a building in which sick or injured, especially those confined to bed, are medically treated |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSPC |
clinic |
a medical facility associated with a hospital for outpatients |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSPD |
dispensary |
a building where medical or dental aid is dispensed |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSPL |
leprosarium |
an asylum or hospital for lepers |
S - Spot Feature |
| HSTS |
historical site |
a place of historical importance |
S - Spot Feature |
| HTH |
heath |
an upland moor or sandy area dominated by low shrubby vegetation including heather |
V - Vegetation |
| HTL |
hotel |
a building providing lodging and/or meals for the public |
S - Spot Feature |
| HUT |
hut |
a small primitive house |
S - Spot Feature |
| HUTS |
huts |
small primitive houses |
S - Spot Feature |
| INDS |
industrial area |
an area characterized by industrial activity |
L - Area |
| INLT |
inlet |
a narrow waterway extending into the land, or connecting a bay or lagoon with a larger body of water |
H - Hydrographic |
| INLTQ |
former inlet |
an inlet which has been filled in, or blocked by deposits |
H - Hydrographic |
| INSM |
military installation |
a facility for use of and control by armed forces |
S - Spot Feature |
| INTF |
interfluve |
a relatively undissected upland between adjacent stream valleys |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISL |
island |
a tract of land, smaller than a continent, surrounded by water at high water |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISLF |
artificial island |
an island created by landfill or diking and filling in a wetland, bay, or lagoon |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISLM |
mangrove island |
a mangrove swamp surrounded by a waterbody |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISLS |
islands |
tracts of land, smaller than a continent, surrounded by water at high water |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISLT |
land-tied island |
a coastal island connected to the mainland by barrier beaches, levees or dikes |
T - Hypsographic |
| ISLX |
section of island |
|
T - Hypsographic |
| ISTH |
isthmus |
a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses and bordered by water |
T - Hypsographic |
| ITTR |
research institute |
a facility where research is carried out |
S - Spot Feature |
| JTY |
jetty |
a structure built out into the water at a river mouth or harbor entrance to regulate currents and silting |
S - Spot Feature |
| KNLU |
knoll |
an elevation rising generally more than 500 meters and less than 1,000 meters and of limited extent across the summit |
U - Undersea |
| KNSU |
knolls |
elevations rising generally more than 500 meters and less than 1,000 meters and of limited extent across the summits |
U - Undersea |
| KRST |
karst area |
a distinctive landscape developed on soluble rock such as limestone characterized by sinkholes, caves, disappearing streams, and underground drainage |
T - Hypsographic |
| LAND |
Arctic land |
a tract of land in the Arctic |
L - Area |
| LAVA |
lava area |
an area of solidified lava |
T - Hypsographic |
| LBED |
lake bed(s) |
a dried up or drained area of a former lake |
H - Hydrographic |
| LCTY |
locality |
a minor area or place of unspecified or mixed character and indefinite boundaries |
L - Area |
| LDGU |
ledge |
a rocky projection or outcrop, commonly linear and near shore |
U - Undersea |
| LDNG |
landing |
a place where boats receive or discharge passengers and freight, but lacking most port facilities |
S - Spot Feature |
| LEPC |
leper colony |
a settled area inhabited by lepers in relative isolation |
S - Spot Feature |
| LEV |
levee |
a natural low embankment bordering a distributary or meandering stream; often built up artificially to control floods |
T - Hypsographic |
| LEVU |
levee |
an embankment bordering a canyon, valley, or seachannel |
U - Undersea |
| LGN |
lagoon |
a shallow coastal waterbody, completely or partly separated from a larger body of water by a barrier island, coral reef or other depositional feature |
H - Hydrographic |
| LGNS |
lagoons |
shallow coastal waterbodies, completely or partly separated from a larger body of water by a barrier island, coral reef or other depositional feature |
H - Hydrographic |
| LGNX |
section of lagoon |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LK |
lake |
a large inland body of standing water |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKC |
crater lake |
a lake in a crater or caldera |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKI |
intermittent lake |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LKN |
salt lake |
an inland body of salt water with no outlet |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKNI |
intermittent salt lake |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LKO |
oxbow lake |
a crescent-shaped lake commonly found adjacent to meandering streams |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKOI |
intermittent oxbow lake |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LKS |
lakes |
large inland bodies of standing water |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKSB |
underground lake |
a standing body of water in a cave |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKSC |
crater lakes |
lakes in a crater or caldera |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKSI |
intermittent lakes |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LKSN |
salt lakes |
inland bodies of salt water with no outlet |
H - Hydrographic |
| LKSNI |
intermittent salt lakes |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LKX |
section of lake |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| LOCK |
lock(s) |
a basin in a waterway with gates at each end by means of which vessels are passed from one water level to another |
S - Spot Feature |
| LTER |
leased area |
a tract of land leased by the United Kingdom from the People's Republic of China to form part of Hong Kong |
A - Administrative Region |
| LTHSE |
lighthouse |
a distinctive structure exhibiting a major navigation light |
S - Spot Feature |
| MAR |
marina |
a harbor facility for small boats, yachts, etc. |
S - Spot Feature |
| MDVU |
median valley |
the axial depression of the mid-oceanic ridge system |
U - Undersea |
| MDW |
meadow |
a small, poorly drained area dominated by grassy vegetation |
V - Vegetation |
| MESA |
mesa(s) |
a flat-topped, isolated elevation with steep slopes on all sides, less extensive than a plateau |
T - Hypsographic |
| MESU |
mesa |
an isolated, extensive, flat-topped elevation on the shelf, with relatively steep sides |
U - Undersea |
| MFG |
factory |
one or more buildings where goods are manufactured, processed or fabricated |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGB |
brewery |
one or more buildings where beer is brewed |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGC |
cannery |
a building where food items are canned |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGCU |
copper works |
a facility for processing copper ore |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGLM |
limekiln |
a furnace in which limestone is reduced to lime |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGM |
munitions plant |
a factory where ammunition is made |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGN |
salt evaporation ponds |
diked salt ponds used in the production of solar evaporated salt |
H - Hydrographic |
| MFGPH |
phosphate works |
a facility for producing fertilizer |
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGQ |
abandoned factory |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| MFGSG |
sugar refinery |
a facility for converting raw sugar into refined sugar |
S - Spot Feature |
| MGV |
mangrove swamp |
a tropical tidal mud flat characterized by mangrove vegetation |
H - Hydrographic |
| MILB |
military base |
a place used by an army or other armed service for storing arms and supplies, and for accommodating and training troops, a base from which operations can be initiated |
L - Area |
| MKT |
market |
a place where goods are bought and sold at regular intervals |
S - Spot Feature |
| ML |
mill(s) |
a building housing machines for transforming, shaping, finishing, grinding, or extracting products |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLM |
ore treatment plant |
a facility for improving the metal content of ore by concentration |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLO |
olive oil mill |
a mill where oil is extracted from olives |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLSG |
sugar mill |
a facility where sugar cane is processed into raw sugar |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLSGQ |
former sugar mill |
a sugar mill no longer used as a sugar mill |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLSW |
sawmill |
a mill where logs or lumber are sawn to specified shapes and sizes |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLWND |
windmill |
a mill or water pump powered by wind |
S - Spot Feature |
| MLWTR |
water mill |
a mill powered by running water |
S - Spot Feature |
| MN |
mine(s) |
a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits and subterranean passages |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNA |
mining area |
an area of mine sites where minerals and ores are extracted |
L - Area |
| MNAU |
gold mine(s) |
a mine where gold ore, or alluvial gold is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNC |
coal mine(s) |
a mine where coal is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNCR |
chrome mine(s) |
a mine where chrome ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNCU |
copper mine(s) |
a mine where copper ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MND |
mound(s) |
a low, isolated, rounded hill |
T - Hypsographic |
| MNDT |
diatomite mine(s) |
a place where diatomaceous earth is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNDU |
mound |
a low, isolated, rounded hill |
U - Undersea |
| MNFE |
iron mine(s) |
a mine where iron ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNMT |
monument |
a commemorative structure or statue |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNN |
salt mine(s) |
a mine from which salt is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNNI |
nickel mine(s) |
a mine where nickel ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNPB |
lead mine(s) |
a mine where lead ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNPL |
placer mine(s) |
a place where heavy metals are concentrated and running water is used to extract them from unconsolidated sediments |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNQ |
abandoned mine |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| MNQR |
quarry(-ies) |
a surface mine where building stone or gravel and sand, etc. are extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MNSN |
tin mine(s) |
a mine where tin ore is extracted |
S - Spot Feature |
| MOLE |
mole |
a massive structure of masonry or large stones serving as a pier or breakwater |
S - Spot Feature |
| MOOR |
moor(s) |
an area of open ground overlaid with wet peaty soils |
H - Hydrographic |
| MOTU |
moat |
an annular depression that may not be continuous, located at the base of many seamounts, islands, and other isolated elevations |
U - Undersea |
| MRN |
moraine |
a mound, ridge, or other accumulation of glacial till |
T - Hypsographic |
| MRSH |
marsh(es) |
a wetland dominated by grass-like vegetation |
H - Hydrographic |
| MRSHN |
salt marsh |
a flat area, subject to periodic salt water inundation, dominated by grassy salt-tolerant plants |
H - Hydrographic |
| MSQE |
mosque |
a building for public Islamic worship |
S - Spot Feature |
| MSSN |
mission |
a place characterized by dwellings, school, church, hospital and other facilities operated by a religious group for the purpose of providing charitable services and to propagate religion |
S - Spot Feature |
| MSSNQ |
abandoned mission |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| MSTY |
monastery |
a building and grounds where a community of monks lives in seclusion |
S - Spot Feature |
| MT |
mountain |
an elevation standing high above the surrounding area with small summit area, steep slopes and local relief of 300m or more |
T - Hypsographic |
| MTS |
mountains |
a mountain range or a group of mountains or high ridges |
T - Hypsographic |
| MTSU |
mountains |
well-delineated subdivisions of a large and complex positive feature |
U - Undersea |
| MTU |
mountain |
a well-delineated subdivision of a large and complex positive feature |
U - Undersea |
| MUS |
museum |
a building where objects of permanent interest in one or more of the arts and sciences are preserved and exhibited |
S - Spot Feature |
| MVA |
maneuver area |
a tract of land where military field exercises are carried out |
L - Area |
| NKM |
meander neck |
a narrow strip of land between the two limbs of a meander loop at its narrowest point |
T - Hypsographic |
| NOV |
novitiate |
a religious house or school where novices are trained |
S - Spot Feature |
| NRWS |
narrows |
a navigable narrow part of a bay, strait, river, etc. |
H - Hydrographic |
| NSY |
nursery(-ies) |
a place where plants are propagated for transplanting or grafting |
S - Spot Feature |
| NTK |
nunatak |
a rock or mountain peak protruding through glacial ice |
T - Hypsographic |
| NTKS |
nunataks |
rocks or mountain peaks protruding through glacial ice |
T - Hypsographic |
| NVB |
naval base |
an area used to store supplies, provide barracks for troops and naval personnel, a port for naval vessels, and from which operations are initiated |
L - Area |
| OAS |
oasis(-es) |
an area in a desert made productive by the availability of water |
L - Area |
| OBPT |
observation point |
a wildlife or scenic observation point |
S - Spot Feature |
| OBS |
observatory |
a facility equipped for observation of atmospheric or space phenomena |
S - Spot Feature |
| OBSR |
radio observatory |
a facility equipped with an array of antennae for receiving radio waves from space |
S - Spot Feature |
| OCH |
orchard(s) |
a planting of fruit or nut trees |
V - Vegetation |
| OCN |
ocean |
one of the major divisions of the vast expanse of salt water covering part of the earth |
H - Hydrographic |
| OILF |
oilfield |
an area containing a subterranean store of petroleum of economic value |
L - Area |
| OILJ |
oil pipeline junction |
a section of an oil pipeline where two or more pipes join together |
S - Spot Feature |
| OILP |
oil pipeline |
a pipeline used for transporting oil |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| OILQ |
abandoned oil well |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| OILR |
oil refinery |
a facility for converting crude oil into refined petroleum products |
S - Spot Feature |
| OILT |
tank farm |
a tract of land occupied by large, cylindrical, metal tanks in which oil or liquid petrochemicals are stored |
S - Spot Feature |
| OILW |
oil well |
a well from which oil may be pumped |
S - Spot Feature |
| OVF |
overfalls |
an area of breaking waves caused by the meeting of currents or by waves moving against the current |
H - Hydrographic |
| PAL |
palace |
a large stately house, often a royal or presidential residence |
S - Spot Feature |
| PAN |
pan |
a near-level shallow, natural depression or basin, usually containing an intermittent lake, pond, or pool |
T - Hypsographic |
| PANS |
pans |
a near-level shallow, natural depression or basin, usually containing an intermittent lake, pond, or pool |
T - Hypsographic |
| PASS |
pass |
a break in a mountain range or other high obstruction, used for transportation from one side to the other [See also gap] |
T - Hypsographic |
| PCL |
political entity |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PCLD |
dependent political entity |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PCLF |
freely associated state |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PCLI |
independent political entity |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PCLIX |
section of independent political entity |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PCLS |
semi-independent political entity |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| PEAT |
peat cutting area |
an area where peat is harvested |
L - Area |
| PEN |
peninsula |
an elongate area of land projecting into a body of water and nearly surrounded by water |
T - Hypsographic |
| PENX |
section of peninsula |
|
T - Hypsographic |
| PGDA |
pagoda |
a tower-like storied structure, usually a Buddhist shrine |
S - Spot Feature |
| PIER |
pier |
a structure built out into navigable water on piles providing berthing for ships and recreation |
S - Spot Feature |
| PK |
peak |
a pointed elevation atop a mountain, ridge, or other hypsographic feature |
T - Hypsographic |
| PKLT |
parking lot |
an area used for parking vehicles |
S - Spot Feature |
| PKS |
peaks |
pointed elevations atop a mountain, ridge, or other hypsographic features |
T - Hypsographic |
| PKSU |
peaks |
prominent elevations, part of a larger feature, either pointed or of very limited extent across the summit |
U - Undersea |
| PKU |
peak |
a prominent elevation, part of a larger feature, either pointed or of very limited extent across the summit |
U - Undersea |
| PLAT |
plateau |
an elevated plain with steep slopes on one or more sides, and often with incised streams |
T - Hypsographic |
| PLATX |
section of plateau |
|
T - Hypsographic |
| PLDR |
polder |
an area reclaimed from the sea by diking and draining |
T - Hypsographic |
| PLFU |
platform |
a flat or gently sloping underwater surface extending seaward from the shore |
U - Undersea |
| PLN |
plain(s) |
an extensive area of comparatively level to gently undulating land, lacking surface irregularities, and usually adjacent to a higher area |
T - Hypsographic |
| PLNU |
plain |
a flat, gently sloping or nearly level region |
U - Undersea |
| PLNX |
section of plain |
|
T - Hypsographic |
| PLTU |
plateau |
a comparatively flat-topped feature of considerable extent, dropping off abruptly on one or more sides |
U - Undersea |
| PMPO |
oil pumping station |
a facility for pumping oil through a pipeline |
S - Spot Feature |
| PMPW |
water pumping station |
a facility for pumping water from a major well or through a pipeline |
S - Spot Feature |
| PND |
pond |
a small standing waterbody |
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDI |
intermittent pond |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDN |
salt pond |
a small standing body of salt water often in a marsh or swamp, usually along a seacoast |
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDNI |
intermittent salt pond(s) |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDS |
ponds |
small standing waterbodies |
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDSF |
fishponds |
ponds or enclosures in which fish are kept or raised |
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDSI |
intermittent ponds |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| PNDSN |
salt ponds |
small standing bodies of salt water often in a marsh or swamp, usually along a seacoast |
H - Hydrographic |
| PNLU |
pinnacle |
a high tower or spire-shaped pillar of rock or coral, alone or cresting a summit |
U - Undersea |
| PO |
post office |
a public building in which mail is received, sorted and distributed |
S - Spot Feature |
| POOL |
pool(s) |
a small and comparatively still, deep part of a larger body of water such as a stream or harbor; or a small body of standing water |
H - Hydrographic |
| POOLI |
intermittent pool |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| PP |
police post |
a building in which police are stationed |
S - Spot Feature |
| PPL |
populated place |
a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLA |
seat of a first-order administrative division |
seat of a first-order administrative division (PPLC takes precedence over PPLA) |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLC |
capital of a political entity |
|
P - Populated Place |
| PPLL |
populated locality |
an area similar to a locality but with a small group of dwellings or other buildings |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLQ |
abandoned populated place |
|
P - Populated Place |
| PPLR |
religious populated place |
a populated place whose population is largely engaged in religious occupations |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLS |
populated places |
cities, towns, villages, or other agglomerations of buildings where people live and work |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLW |
destroyed populated place |
a village, town or city destroyed by a natural disaster, or by war |
P - Populated Place |
| PPLX |
section of populated place |
|
P - Populated Place |
| PPQ |
abandoned police post |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| PRK |
park |
an area, often of forested land, maintained as a place of beauty, or for recreation |
L - Area |
| PRKGT |
park gate |
a controlled access to a park |
S - Spot Feature |
| PRKHQ |
park headquarters |
a park administrative facility |
S - Spot Feature |
| PRMN |
promenade |
a place for public walking, usually along a beach front |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| PRN |
prison |
a facility for confining prisoners |
S - Spot Feature |
| PRNJ |
reformatory |
a facility for confining, training, and reforming young law offenders |
S - Spot Feature |
| PRNQ |
abandoned prison |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| PROM |
promontory(-ies) |
a bluff or prominent hill overlooking or projecting into a lowland |
T - Hypsographic |
| PRSH |
parish |
an ecclesiastical district |
A - Administrative Region |
| PRT |
port |
a place provided with terminal and transfer facilities for loading and discharging waterborne cargo or passengers, usually located in a harbor |
L - Area |
| PRVU |
province |
a region identifiable by a group of similar physiographic features whose characteristics are markedly in contrast with surrounding areas |
U - Undersea |
| PS |
power station |
a facility for generating electric power |
S - Spot Feature |
| PSH |
hydroelectric power station |
a building where electricity is generated from water power |
S - Spot Feature |
| PSTB |
border post |
a post or station at an international boundary for the regulation of movement of people and goods |
S - Spot Feature |
| PSTC |
customs post |
a building at an international boundary where customs and duties are paid on goods |
S - Spot Feature |
| PSTP |
patrol post |
a post from which patrols are sent out |
S - Spot Feature |
| PT |
point |
a tapering piece of land projecting into a body of water, less prominent than a cape |
T - Hypsographic |
| PTGE |
portage |
a place where boats, goods, etc., are carried overland between navigable waters |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| PTS |
points |
tapering pieces of land projecting into a body of water, less prominent than a cape |
T - Hypsographic |
| PYR |
pyramid |
an ancient massive structure of square ground plan with four triangular faces meeting at a point and used for enclosing tombs |
S - Spot Feature |
| PYRS |
pyramids |
ancient massive structures of square ground plan with four triangular faces meeting at a point and used for enclosing tombs |
S - Spot Feature |
| QCKS |
quicksand |
an area where loose sand with water moving through it may become unstable when heavy objects are placed at the surface, causing them to sink |
L - Area |
| QUAY |
quay |
a structure of solid construction along a shore or bank which provides berthing for ships and which generally provides cargo handling facilities |
S - Spot Feature |
| RAVU |
ravine |
a small canyon |
U - Undersea |
| RCH |
reach |
a straight section of a navigable stream or channel between two bends |
H - Hydrographic |
| RD |
road |
an open way with improved surface for transportation of animals, people and vehicles |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RDA |
ancient road |
the remains of a road used by ancient cultures |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RDB |
road bend |
a conspicuously curved or bent section of a road |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RDCUT |
road cut |
an excavation cut through a hill or ridge for a road |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RDGB |
beach ridge |
a ridge of sand just inland and parallel to the beach, usually in series |
T - Hypsographic |
| RDGE |
ridge(s) |
a long narrow elevation with steep sides, and a more or less continuous crest |
T - Hypsographic |
| RDGG |
icecap ridge |
a linear elevation on an icecap |
H - Hydrographic |
| RDGU |
ridge |
a long narrow elevation with steep sides |
U - Undersea |
| RDJCT |
road junction |
a place where two or more roads join |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RDST |
roadstead |
an open anchorage affording less protection than a harbor |
H - Hydrographic |
| RDSU |
ridges |
long narrow elevations with steep sides |
U - Undersea |
| RECG |
golf course |
a recreation field where golf is played |
S - Spot Feature |
| RECR |
racetrack |
a track where races are held |
S - Spot Feature |
| REG |
stony desert |
a desert plain characterized by a surface veneer of gravel and stones |
T - Hypsographic |
| REP |
republic |
|
L - Area |
| RES |
reserve |
a tract of public land reserved for future use or restricted as to use |
L - Area |
| RESA |
agricultural reserve |
a tract of land reserved for agricultural reclamation and/or development |
L - Area |
| RESF |
forest reserve |
a forested area set aside for preservation or controlled use |
L - Area |
| RESH |
hunting reserve |
a tract of land used primarily for hunting |
L - Area |
| RESN |
nature reserve |
an area reserved for the maintenance of a natural habitat |
L - Area |
| RESP |
palm tree reserve |
an area of palm trees where use is controlled |
L - Area |
| RESV |
reservation |
a tract of land set aside for aboriginal, tribal, or native populations |
L - Area |
| RESW |
wildlife reserve |
a tract of public land reserved for the preservation of wildlife |
L - Area |
| RF |
reef(s) |
a surface-navigation hazard composed of consolidated material |
H - Hydrographic |
| RFC |
coral reef(s) |
a surface-navigation hazard composed of coral |
H - Hydrographic |
| RFSU |
reefs |
surface-navigation hazards composed of consolidated material |
U - Undersea |
| RFU |
reef |
a surface-navigation hazard composed of consolidated material |
U - Undersea |
| RFX |
section of reef |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| RGN |
region |
an area distinguished by one or more observable physical or cultural characteristics |
L - Area |
| RGNE |
economic region |
a region of a country established for economic development or for statistical purposes |
L - Area |
| RGNL |
lake region |
a tract of land distinguished by numerous lakes |
L - Area |
| RHSE |
resthouse |
a structure maintained for the rest and shelter of travelers |
S - Spot Feature |
| RISU |
rise |
a broad elevation that rises gently, and generally smoothly, from the sea floor |
U - Undersea |
| RJCT |
railroad junction |
a place where two or more railroad tracks join |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RK |
rock |
a conspicuous, isolated rocky mass |
T - Hypsographic |
| RKFL |
rockfall |
an irregular mass of fallen rock at the base of a cliff or steep slope |
T - Hypsographic |
| RKRY |
rookery |
a breeding place of a colony of birds or seals |
S - Spot Feature |
| RKS |
rocks |
conspicuous, isolated rocky masses |
T - Hypsographic |
| RLG |
religious site |
an ancient site of significant religious importance |
S - Spot Feature |
| RLGR |
retreat |
a place of temporary seclusion, especially for religious groups |
S - Spot Feature |
| RMPU |
ramp |
a gentle slope connecting areas of different elevations |
U - Undersea |
| RNCH |
ranch(es) |
a large farm specializing in extensive grazing of livestock |
S - Spot Feature |
| RNGA |
artillery range |
a tract of land used for artillery firing practice |
L - Area |
| RNGU |
range |
a series of associated ridges or seamounts |
U - Undersea |
| RPDS |
rapids |
a turbulent section of a stream associated with a steep, irregular stream bed |
H - Hydrographic |
| RR |
railroad |
a permanent twin steel-rail track on which freight and passenger cars move long distances |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RRQ |
abandoned railroad |
|
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RSD |
railroad siding |
a short track parallel to and joining the main track |
S - Spot Feature |
| RSGNL |
railroad signal |
a signal at the entrance of a particular section of track governing the movement of trains |
S - Spot Feature |
| RSRT |
resort |
a specialized facility for vacation, health, or participation sports activities |
S - Spot Feature |
| RSTN |
railroad station |
a facility comprising ticket office, platforms, etc. for loading and unloading train passengers and freight |
S - Spot Feature |
| RSTNQ |
abandoned railroad station |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| RSTP |
railroad stop |
a place lacking station facilities where trains stop to pick up and unload passengers and freight |
S - Spot Feature |
| RSTPQ |
abandoned railroad stop |
|
S - Spot Feature |
| RSV |
reservoir(s) |
an artificial pond or lake |
H - Hydrographic |
| RSVI |
intermittent reservoir |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| RSVT |
water tank |
a contained pool or tank of water at, below, or above ground level |
H - Hydrographic |
| RTE |
caravan route |
the route taken by caravans |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| RUIN |
ruin(s) |
a destroyed or decayed structure which is no longer functional |
S - Spot Feature |
| RVN |
ravine(s) |
a small, narrow, deep, steep-sided stream channel, smaller than a gorge |
H - Hydrographic |
| RYD |
railroad yard |
a system of tracks used for the making up of trains, and switching and storing freight cars |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| SALT |
salt area |
a shallow basin or flat where salt accumulates after periodic inundation |
L - Area |
| SAND |
sand area |
a tract of land covered with sand |
T - Hypsographic |
| SBED |
dry stream bed |
a channel formerly containing the water of a stream |
T - Hypsographic |
| SBKH |
sabkha(s) |
a salt flat or salt encrusted plain subject to periodic inundation from flooding or high tides |
H - Hydrographic |
| SCH |
school |
building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place |
S - Spot Feature |
| SCHA |
agricultural school |
a school with a curriculum focused on agriculture |
S - Spot Feature |
| SCHC |
college |
the grounds and buildings of an institution of higher learning |
S - Spot Feature |
| SCHM |
military school |
a school at which military science forms the core of the curriculum |
S - Spot Feature |
| SCHN |
maritime school |
a school at which maritime sciences form the core of the curriculum |
S - Spot Feature |
| SCNU |
seachannel |
a continuously sloping, elongated depression commonly found in fans or plains and customarily bordered by levees on one or two sides |
U - Undersea |
| SCRB |
scrubland |
an area of low trees, bushes, and shrubs stunted by some environmental limitation |
V - Vegetation |
| SCRP |
escarpment |
a long line of cliffs or steep slopes separating level surfaces above and below |
T - Hypsographic |
| SCSU |
seachannels |
continuously sloping, elongated depressions commonly found in fans or plains and customarily bordered by levees on one or two sides |
U - Undersea |
| SD |
sound |
a long arm of the sea forming a channel between the mainland and an island or islands; or connecting two larger bodies of water |
H - Hydrographic |
| SDL |
saddle |
a broad, open pass crossing a ridge or between hills or mountains |
T - Hypsographic |
| SDLU |
saddle |
a low part, resembling in shape a saddle, in a ridge or between contiguous seamounts |
U - Undersea |
| SEA |
sea |
a large body of salt water more or less confined by continuous land or chains of islands forming a subdivision of an ocean |
H - Hydrographic |
| SHFU |
shelf |
a zone adjacent to a continent (or around an island) that extends from the low water line to a depth at which there is usually a marked increase of slope towards oceanic depths |
U - Undersea |
| SHLU |
shoal |
a surface-navigation hazard composed of unconsolidated material |
U - Undersea |
| SHOL |
shoal(s) |
a surface-navigation hazard composed of unconsolidated material |
H - Hydrographic |
| SHOR |
shore |
a narrow zone bordering a waterbody which covers and uncovers at high and low water, respectively |
T - Hypsographic |
| SHPF |
sheepfold |
a fence or wall enclosure for sheep and other small herd animals |
S - Spot Feature |
| SHRN |
shrine |
a structure or place memorializing a person or religious concept |
S - Spot Feature |
| SHSE |
storehouse |
a building for storing goods, especially provisions |
S - Spot Feature |
| SHSU |
shoals |
hazards to surface navigation composed of unconsolidated material |
U - Undersea |
| SHVU |
shelf valley |
a valley on the shelf, generally the shoreward extension of a canyon |
U - Undersea |
| SILL |
sill |
the low part of an underwater gap or saddle separating basins, including a similar feature at the mouth of a fjord |
H - Hydrographic |
| SILU |
sill |
the low part of a gap or saddle separating basins |
U - Undersea |
| SINK |
sinkhole |
a small crater-shape depression in a karst area |
T - Hypsographic |
| SLCE |
sluice |
a conduit or passage for carrying off surplus water from a waterbody, usually regulated by means of a sluice gate |
S - Spot Feature |
| SLID |
slide |
a mound of earth material, at the base of a slope and the associated scoured area |
T - Hypsographic |
| SLP |
slope(s) |
a surface with a relatively uniform slope angle |
T - Hypsographic |
| SLPU |
slope |
the slope seaward from the shelf edge to the beginning of a continental rise or the point where there is a general reduction in slope |
U - Undersea |
| SMSU |
seamounts |
elevations rising generally more than 1,000 meters and of limited extent across the summit |
U - Undersea |
| SMU |
seamount |
an elevation rising generally more than 1,000 meters and of limited extent across the summit |
U - Undersea |
| SNOW |
snowfield |
an area of permanent snow and ice forming the accumulation area of a glacier |
L - Area |
| SNTR |
sanatorium |
a facility where victims of physical or mental disorders are treated |
S - Spot Feature |
| SPA |
spa |
a resort area usually developed around a medicinal spring |
S - Spot Feature |
| SPIT |
spit |
a narrow, straight or curved continuation of a beach into a waterbody |
T - Hypsographic |
| SPLY |
spillway |
a passage or outlet through which surplus water flows over, around or through a dam |
S - Spot Feature |
| SPNG |
spring(s) |
a place where ground water flows naturally out of the ground |
H - Hydrographic |
| SPNS |
sulphur spring(s) |
a place where sulphur ground water flows naturally out of the ground |
H - Hydrographic |
| SPNT |
hot spring(s) |
a place where hot ground water flows naturally out of the ground |
H - Hydrographic |
| SPRU |
spur |
a subordinate elevation, ridge, or rise projecting outward from a larger feature |
U - Undersea |
| SPUR |
spur(s) |
a subordinate ridge projecting outward from a hill, mountain or other elevation |
T - Hypsographic |
| SQR |
square |
a broad, open, public area near the center of a town or city |
S - Spot Feature |
| ST |
street |
a paved urban thoroughfare |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| STBL |
stable |
a building for the shelter and feeding of farm animals, especially horses |
S - Spot Feature |
| STDM |
stadium |
a structure with an enclosure for athletic games with tiers of seats for spectators |
S - Spot Feature |
| STKR |
stock route |
a route taken by livestock herds |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| STLMT |
Israeli settlement |
|
P - Populated Place |
| STM |
stream |
a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMA |
anabranch |
a diverging branch flowing out of a main stream and rejoining it downstream |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMB |
stream bend |
a conspicuously curved or bent segment of a stream |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMC |
canalized stream |
a stream that has been substantially ditched, diked, or straightened |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMD |
distributary(-ies) |
a branch which flows away from the main stream, as in a delta or irrigation canal |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMH |
headwaters |
the source and upper part of a stream, including the upper drainage basin |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMI |
intermittent stream |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| STMIX |
section of intermittent stream |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| STMM |
stream mouth(s) |
a place where a stream discharges into a lagoon, lake, or the sea |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMQ |
abandoned watercourse |
a former stream or distributary no longer carrying flowing water, but still evident due to lakes, wetland, topographic or vegetation patterns |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMS |
streams |
bodies of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMSB |
lost river |
a surface stream that disappears into an underground channel, or dries up in an arid area |
H - Hydrographic |
| STMX |
section of stream |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| STNB |
scientific research base |
a scientific facility used as a base from which research is carried out or monitored |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNC |
coast guard station |
a facility from which the coast is guarded by armed vessels |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNE |
experiment station |
a facility for carrying out experiments |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNF |
forest station |
a collection of buildings and facilities for carrying out forest management |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNI |
inspection station |
a station at which vehicles, goods, and people are inspected |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNM |
meteorological station |
a station at which weather elements are recorded |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNR |
radio station |
a facility for producing and transmitting information by radio waves |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNS |
satellite station |
a facility for tracking and communicating with orbiting satellites |
S - Spot Feature |
| STNW |
whaling station |
a facility for butchering whales and processing train oil |
S - Spot Feature |
| STPS |
steps |
stones or slabs placed for ease in ascending or descending a steep slope |
S - Spot Feature |
| STRT |
strait |
a relatively narrow waterway, usually narrower and less extensive than a sound, connecting two larger bodies of water |
H - Hydrographic |
| SWMP |
swamp |
a wetland dominated by tree vegetation |
H - Hydrographic |
| SYSI |
irrigation system |
a network of ditches and one or more of the following elements: water supply, reservoir, canal, pump, well, drain, etc. |
H - Hydrographic |
| TAL |
talus slope |
a steep concave slope formed by an accumulation of loose rock fragments at the base of a cliff or steep slope |
T - Hypsographic |
| TERR |
territory |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| TERU |
terrace |
a relatively flat horizontal or gently inclined surface, sometimes long and narrow, which is bounded by a steeper ascending slope on one side and by a steep descending slope on the opposite side |
U - Undersea |
| TMB |
tomb(s) |
a structure for interring bodies |
S - Spot Feature |
| TMPL |
temple(s) |
an edifice dedicated to religious worship |
S - Spot Feature |
| TMSU |
tablemounts (or guyots) |
seamounts having a comparatively smooth, flat top |
U - Undersea |
| TMTU |
tablemount (or guyot) |
a seamount having a comparatively smooth, flat top |
U - Undersea |
| TNGU |
tongue |
an elongate (tongue-like) extension of a flat sea floor into an adjacent higher feature |
U - Undersea |
| TNKD |
cattle dipping tank |
a small artificial pond used for immersing cattle in chemically treated water for disease control |
S - Spot Feature |
| TNL |
tunnel |
a subterranean passageway for transportation |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TNLC |
canal tunnel |
a tunnel through which a canal passes |
H - Hydrographic |
| TNLN |
natural tunnel |
a cave that is open at both ends |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TNLRD |
road tunnel |
a tunnel through which a road passes |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TNLRR |
railroad tunnel |
a tunnel through which a railroad passes |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TNLS |
tunnels |
subterranean passageways for transportation |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TOWR |
tower |
a high conspicuous structure, typically much higher than its diameter |
S - Spot Feature |
| TRB |
tribal area |
a tract of land used by nomadic or other tribes |
L - Area |
| TREE |
tree(s) |
a conspicuous tree used as a landmark |
V - Vegetation |
| TRGD |
interdune trough(s) |
a long wind-swept trough between parallel longitudinal dunes |
T - Hypsographic |
| TRGU |
trough |
a long depression of the sea floor characteristically flat bottomed and steep sided, and normally shallower than a trench |
U - Undersea |
| TRIG |
triangulation station |
a point on the earth whose position has been determined by triangulation |
S - Spot Feature |
| TRL |
trail |
a path, track, or route used by pedestrians, animals, or off-road vehicles |
R - Streets/Highways/Roads |
| TRMO |
oil pipeline terminal |
a tank farm or loading facility at the end of an oil pipeline |
S - Spot Feature |
| TRNU |
trench |
a long, narrow, characteristically very deep and asymmetrical depression of the sea floor, with relatively steep sides |
U - Undersea |
| TRR |
terrace |
a long, narrow alluvial platform bounded by steeper slopes above and below, usually overlooking a waterbody |
T - Hypsographic |
| TUND |
tundra |
a marshy, treeless, high latitude plain, dominated by mosses, lichens, and low shrub vegetation under permafrost conditions |
V - Vegetation |
| UPLD |
upland |
an extensive interior region of high land with low to moderate surface relief |
T - Hypsographic |
| USGE |
United States Government Establishment |
a facility operated by the United States Government in Panama |
S - Spot Feature |
| VAL |
valley |
an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream |
T - Hypsographic |
| VALG |
hanging valley |
a valley the floor of which is notably higher than the valley or shore to which it leads; most common in areas that have been glaciated |
T - Hypsographic |
| VALS |
valleys |
elongated depressions usually traversed by a stream |
T - Hypsographic |
| VALU |
valley |
a relatively shallow, wide depression, the bottom of which usually has a continuous gradient |
U - Undersea |
| VALX |
section of valley |
|
T - Hypsographic |
| VETF |
veterinary facility |
a building or camp at which veterinary services are available |
S - Spot Feature |
| VIN |
vineyard |
a planting of grapevines |
V - Vegetation |
| VINS |
vineyards |
plantings of grapevines |
V - Vegetation |
| VLC |
volcano |
a conical elevation composed of volcanic materials with a crater at the top |
T - Hypsographic |
| VLSU |
valleys |
a relatively shallow, wide depression, the bottom of which usually has a continuous gradient |
U - Undersea |
| WAD |
wadi |
a valley or ravine, bounded by relatively steep banks, which in the rainy season becomes a watercourse; found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East |
H - Hydrographic |
| WADB |
wadi bend |
a conspicuously curved or bent segment of a wadi |
H - Hydrographic |
| WADJ |
wadi junction |
a place where two or more wadies join |
H - Hydrographic |
| WADM |
wadi mouth |
the lower terminus of a wadi where it widens into an adjoining floodplain, depression, or waterbody |
H - Hydrographic |
| WADS |
wadies |
valleys or ravines, bounded by relatively steep banks, which in the rainy season become watercourses; found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East |
H - Hydrographic |
| WADX |
section of wadi |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| WALL |
wall |
a thick masonry structure, usually enclosing a field or building, or forming the side of a structure |
S - Spot Feature |
| WALLA |
ancient wall |
the remains of a linear defensive stone structure |
S - Spot Feature |
| WEIR |
weir(s) |
a small dam in a stream, designed to raise the water level or to divert stream flow through a desired channel |
S - Spot Feature |
| WHRF |
wharf(-ves) |
a structure of open rather than solid construction along a shore or a bank which provides berthing for ships and cargo-handling facilities |
S - Spot Feature |
| WHRL |
whirlpool |
a turbulent, rotating movement of water in a stream |
H - Hydrographic |
| WLL |
well |
a cylindrical hole, pit, or tunnel drilled or dug down to a depth from which water, oil, or gas can be pumped or brought to the surface |
H - Hydrographic |
| WLLQ |
abandoned well |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| WLLS |
wells |
cylindrical holes, pits, or tunnels drilled or dug down to a depth from which water, oil, or gas can be pumped or brought to the surface |
H - Hydrographic |
| WRCK |
wreck |
the site of the remains of a wrecked vessel |
S - Spot Feature |
| WTLD |
wetland |
an area subject to inundation, usually characterized by bog, marsh, or swamp vegetation |
H - Hydrographic |
| WTLDI |
intermittent wetland |
|
H - Hydrographic |
| WTRC |
watercourse |
a natural, well-defined channel produced by flowing water, or an artificial channel designed to carry flowing water |
H - Hydrographic |
| WTRH |
waterhole(s) |
a natural hole, hollow, or small depression that contains water, used by man and animals, especially in arid areas |
H - Hydrographic |
| WTRW |
waterworks |
a facility for supplying potable water through a water source and a system of pumps and filtration beds |
S - Spot Feature |
| ZN |
zone |
|
A - Administrative Region |
| ZNB |
buffer zone |
a zone recognized as a buffer between two nations in which military presence is minimal or absent |
A - Administrative Region |
| ZNF |
free trade zone |
an area, usually a section of a port, where goods may be received and shipped free of customs duty and of most customs regulations |
S - Spot Feature |
| ZOO |
zoo |
a zoological garden or park where wild animals are kept for exhibition |
S - Spot Feature |
| ZZZZZ |
master source holdings list |
|
L - Area |
