Settlements, buildings, roads and railways are important cultural features shown on topographical sheets through conventional signs, symbols and colours.
The nature and causes of various settlement patterns (Compact, Scattered, Linear, and Circular) may be clearly understood by comparing the settlement map with the contour map. Density of settlement is related to food and water supply. Relief, distribution of population, and resource development pattern of an area influence the pattern and density of transport and communication and are depicted through conventional signs and symbols.