Visual Reference

Sectional Chart Symbols

A searchable guide to the symbols, lines, and notations on FAA VFR sectional charts.

Clear
All Airports Airspace NAVAIDs Obstacles Special Use Topography
Showing 4 of 32 symbols
25
Topography
Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF)
Large blue numbers in each quadrangle represent the highest known terrain or obstacle elevation, in thousands and hundreds of feet MSL. The "2" and "5" of "25" mean 2,500 feet.
3,247
Topography
Spot Elevation
A small dot followed by a number marks a spot elevation — the height of a specific terrain feature in feet MSL. Helpful for quick terrain awareness.
Topography
Power Transmission Line
A series of small dots in a line, sometimes with elevation markers. Power lines can be hard to see from the air — especially dangerous at low altitudes.
Topography
Railroad
A solid black line with regular cross-tick marks. Railroads are excellent linear references for VFR pilotage navigation.