The cover map is important for managers of wild lands; there is need of a uniform understandable system of classification in mapping. The proposed system has proved practical under various conditions for a period of yrs. in Michigan. The types are first divided into Upland series, lowland series, and transition types. The upland group is subdivided into P = porous soil series; A = non-porous soil series; R = Rock outcrop series. The lowland series is divided into bog (floating mat) and marsh (emergent vegetation rooted in bottom of pond, lake, or stream). These are further subdivided into: B = stagnant bog; BS = bog seepage; M = stagnant marsh; MS = marsh seepage. Transition types are flood plains and transition belts or ecotones. F = flood plain; E = transition belt. Each series is subdivided into 10 numbered stages. The same number in any series represents an equivalent ecologic stage, starting with bare soil or open water and ending with the tolerant or climax mesophytic forest. Special physiographic features are indicated by lower case exponential letters, and disturbances by lower case sub-letters. Stocking and size are indicated by special symbols and figures. The system can be adapted to the degree of simplicity or complexity required for any specific condition.