a. Some of the symbols appearing on published maps may not agree entirely with those shown in this manual, since it is necessary to devise or modify symbols to portray conditions or features which are unique to the area being mapped. Consequently, before any map is used, the symbol legend appearing in the margin should be carefully studied.
b. The symbols and abbreviations given in this manual are the result of standardization proceedings and are in general agreement with those employed by the British Army, the Canadian Army, the Aeronautical Chart and Information Service of the U.S. Air Force, the Hydrographic Office of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
c. Department of the Army units engaged in map making will be guided by AR 117-5, by TM 5-230 so far as the symbols given as examples do not conflict with those given here, and by the specifications contained in technical publications prepared under the direction of the Chief of Engineers.
d. Abbreviations given in this manual are for topographic use only and in some instances conflict with those given in AR 320-50, which are authorized for use in military records, publications, correspondence, messages, and in field work. In accordance with AR 320-50, abbreviations will not be used if uncertainty may result.
e. The information contained herein is applicable without modification to both nuclear and nonnuclear warfare.
