The relationships between feature locations are visible on a map. Any object can be represented using one of these shapes. Points represent objects that have discrete locations and are too small to be depicted as areas. On the Portland map, these include schools, churches, train stations, fire stations, and other buildings such as museums and the Department of Motor Vehicles. MAPS Small buildings, such as train stations, post offices, the YWCA, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, are represented as point features on the Portland map.
Lines represent objects that have length but are too narrow to be depicted as areas.
On the Portland map, lines represent freeways and roads of all kinds, railroads, bridges, and creeks. MAPS Freeways, bridges, and roads are prominent line features on the Portland map. Areas represent objects too large to be depicted as points or lines. The Willamette River, parks of all kinds, Portland State University, the Lloyd Center, Buckman Field, and Lonefir Cemetery are all shown as areas on the Portland map. The river, parks, and large buildings are area features on the Portland map.