This book is intended to replace the instructions relating to the topographic work of the United States Geological Survey, issued as a part of the general Survey, instructions of 1903, which are now in many respects obsolete, although revised portions of them have, from time to time, been issued as circular letters or printed leaflets. The several portions of this book were prepared by the members of
the topographic branch best qualified for the task and were assembled and revised by the division chiefs and finally reviewed by the chief geographer. It is desired to make the instructions complete so far as the technical work of map making is concerned and to reduce
to a minimum the necessity for personal instructions.