Descriptions of Map Layers

Below are the map layers available on the interactive Map Viewer for Harpers Ferry NHP. Find them on the map under Layers On/Off.

Explore the map layers:

• Main Data Layers
• Other Map Layers

Main Data Layers

You can choose one Main Data Layer at a time. Each of these layers except for Surficial Geology covers the entire park in a “wall-to-wall” fashion. You can adjust the transparency of the main data layer with a slider bar.

Natural Communities map layer
Shows the location and extent of the natural communities in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Since this map layer covers the entire park “wall-to-wall,” it includes not just natural communities, but also semi-natural communities and not-so-natural communities, roads and developed areas, and water. The Natural Communities map layer is turned on as the default setting of the Map Viewer.

Map Tip: To see all instances of a particular natural community in the park, go to the interactive map of Harpers Ferry NHP and search for "natural community."  Check the results under Natural Communities (All Locations).

Some of the natural communities in the park are mapped in groups called complexes rather than individually. In Harpers Ferry NHP, there are three mapped complexes of natural communities: Herbaceous Depositional Bar Complex, Riverscour Woodland Complex, and Riverside Rock Outcrop and Prairie Complex. The communities that make up these complexes often occur in patches smaller than an acre (1/2 hectare), and they may exist in mosaic fashion with the other communities in the complex. In addition, communities in a complex can be similar enough to each other that they are difficult to distinguish by looking at aerial photos. (Learn more about Mapping Natural Communities.)

Ecological Systems map layer
Shows the location and extent of the ecological systems of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. An ecological system is a group of several natural communities that share many of the same natural processes and features of physical setting. Since this map layer covers the entire park “wall-to-wall,” it includes not just ecological systems, but also semi-natural and not-so-natural communities, roads and developed areas, and water.

Map Tip: To see all instances of a particular ecological system in the park, go to the interactive map of Harpers Ferry NHP and search for "ecological system." Check the results under Ecological Systems (All Locations).

Soil Name map layer
Shows the location and extent of various soils of Harpers Ferry NHP by name. In areas covered by roads, parking lots, or buildings, the soil is mapped as “urban complex.”

Soil Texture map layer
Shows soils in the park grouped by texture (defined by particle size, such as sand, loam, silt loam, clay). Be sure to look at the Legend when this layer is turned on.

Surficial Geology Name map layer
Shows the location and extent of various deposits of surficial geology in Harpers Ferry NHP, including sediments deposited by the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers on their floodplains, and gravel or boulders on the flanks of hills. This map layer only includes the parts of the park with sediment on the surface.

Surficial Geology Structure map layer
Shows the deposits of surficial geology in Harpers Ferry NHP grouped by texture of the sediments. This map layer only includes the parts of the park with sediment on the surface. Be sure to look at the Legend when this layer is turned on.

Bedrock Geology Name map layer
Shows the location and extent of the bedrock underlying Harpers Ferry NHP by name (Weverton Formation, for example).

Bedrock Geology Chemistry map layer
Shows bedrock of Harpers Ferry NHP grouped by its chemistry (from basic to acidic). Be sure to look at the Legend when this layer is turned on. (Why does bedrock chemistry matter? Ecobit: Basic and Acidic)

Ecoregions map layer
Shows the location and extent of the Ridge and Valley, Blue Ridge, and Northern Piedmont ecoregions in the park. Be sure to look at the Legend when this layer is turned on.

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Other Map Layers

You can turn on as many of these layers as you wish at the same time.

Natural Communities (Outlines) map layer
Shows an overlay of the outlines of natural communities. A convenient layer to turn on when you have a Main Data Layer other than Natural Communities turned on.

Ecological Systems (Outlines) map layer
Shows an overlay of the outlines of ecological systems. A convenient layer to turn on when you have a Main Data Layer other than Ecological Systems turned on.

Audio Podcasts map layer
Click an audio podcast icon on the map to check out one of the short podcasts developed by summer interns for Explore Natural Communities. The icons are placed on the map in locations where the podcast topic is relevant.

Good Places to See Natural Communities map layer
Shows specific spots along trails in the park where you can see an example of a particular natural or semi-natural community.

Natural Highlights map layer
Shows specific places where you can find scenic views.

Trails map layer
Shows the location of all the trails in Harpers Ferry NHP, including segments of the Appalachian Trail.

Railroads map layer
Shows the location of railroads in the vicinity of Harpers Ferry NHP. There are several instances where trails may cross or run alongside functioning railroads.

Restrooms map layer
Shows the location of the four restrooms in Harpers Ferry NHP.

Selected Cultural Features map layer
Shows the position of cultural features that may serve as landmarks while exploring the natural communities in Harpers Ferry NHP.

Visitor/Admin Buildings map layer
Shows the park entrance station and visitor center, as well as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center.

Picnic Areas map layer
Shows the location of a picnic area at the visitor center.

Roads/Parking map layer
Shows the roads and parking lots in Harpers Ferry NHP.

Transit Stops map layer
Shows the location of National Park Service shuttle stops in the park, as well as MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) train stations near downtown Harpers Ferry.

Park Boundary map layer
Shows the boundaries of Harpers Ferry NHP.

Park Regions map layer
Shows color-coded outlines of park regions within Harpers Ferry NHP.
(Tip: You don’t need to turn on Park Regions to find the name of a park region. Just look for the name to appear near the bottom of the map viewer below Latitude/Longitude as you mouse over an area of interest or touch and move that part of the map.)

Contour Lines (Topography) map layer
Shows topographic lines, which are contour lines connecting points of equal elevation. As you zoom in, more lines appear, giving more detail.

Streams and Open Water map layer
Shows the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and some of their tributaries, as well as ponds.

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