Mapping Symbols (CSC)

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A DM who has the talent and the time might wish to realistically render every feature in his world. The end result will no doubt be gorgeous and probably worth framing.
Luckily, for the rest of us who may not be quite so artistically gifted, there is an alternative-map symbols. Map symbols are icons: simple, easily drawn graphics that inform the viewer as to what can be found there.
As you can see, we have provided a quick table of symbols which can be quickly used to detail your maps (see page 126). The first chart lists symbols which might represent the items found on a typical encounter map for the average adventure. Symbols for uncommon items like fonts of boiling water or magic sigils are left to the DM's fertile imagination.
Outdoor maps have their own set of mapping symbols, as shown in our other diagram. These symbols represent features commonly found in a wilderness environment. Here are symbols for trees, lakes, rivers, oceans, hills, castles and of course, mountains. Color can also be used to good effect in outdoor maps.
For smaller scale maps, mountains, hills, and valleys can be shown by topographical mapping. On a topographical map, contour lines indicate changes in elevation (height or depth). Each line represents a specific change in elevation since the last contour line. For small scale maps this should usually be 10, 20 or 50 feet. Lines that are close together indicate a steep slope or even a cliff. Lines that are very far apart depict a gentle slope. A line with little hash marks coming off of it represents a depression, usually in the form of a body of water. The direction of the depression's downward slope is indicated by the side of the line upon which the hash marks appear. More information on topographical maps appears under the heading Tips & Tricks.