Map Symbols & Patterns for NPS Maps

This page contains the standard cartographic symbols and patterns used on National Park Service maps.

Map Elements

Map elements

North arrows, bar scales, road shields, etc.

Map Symbols

Other symbols

Accessibility, winter recreation, water recreation, etc.

NPS symbols are free and in the public domain. They derive from Ultimate Symbol Collection, a commercial product that offers hundreds of additional symbols.

NPS Style for ArcGIS

Created by the ESRI Mapping Center

Map Patterns

Map patterns

Lava/reef, sand, swamp, and tree patterns (accessed as a swatch library in Adobe Illustrator CS or later).

Last updated: November 11, 2022