Feature Codes

All places in the Places API are categorized into one out of 9 feature classes (represented by letters) and further subcategorized into one out of 684 feature codes.

U: Undersea
Code Short Description Full Description
CRSU Continental rise A gentle slope rising from oceanic depths towards the foot of a continental slope
DEPU Deep A localized deep area within the confines of a larger feature, such as a trough, basin or trench
EDGU Shelf edge A line along which there is a marked increase of slope at the outer margin of a continental shelf or island shelf
ESCU Escarpment (or scarp) An elongated and comparatively steep slope separating flat or gently sloping areas
FANU Fan A relatively smooth feature normally sloping away from the lower termination of a canyon or canyon system
FLTU Flat A small level or nearly level area
FRZU Fracture zone An extensive linear zone of irregular topography of the sea floor, characterized by steep-sided or asymmetrical ridges, troughs, or escarpments
FURU Furrow A closed, linear, narrow, shallow depression
GAPU Gap A narrow break in a ridge or rise
GLYU Gully A small valley-like feature
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