A tutorial by USGS scientist and topoView developer Chris Garrity demonstrating how to use topoView version 2.1. TopoView let's you access and download maps free of charge from the USGS's Historical Topographic Map Collection, published between 1884 and 2006.
Resources:
An Introduction to TopoView (version 1.0)
Can I donate a map that isn't already in the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection?
The USGS will gladly accept donations of digital, scanned copies of historical topographic maps (published 1884-2006) that are not in our current Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC). We do not accept donations of paper maps.
Donated products must be published USGS topographic maps, 1:250,000 scale or larger, with basic required metadata included. Before submitting map donations to the USGS, please visit topoView to verify your map(s) do not already exist in our collection.
For each map, record the basic metadata. Metadata information (typically found in the bottom collar of the map) must be provided in a plain-text, comma-separated (CSV) list that includes:
- Quadrangle name
- State
- Map Date
- Imprint Date
- Scale
- Woodland Tint (Y for yes, N for no)
If ten or fewer maps are being donated, please start by sending the metadata by email to USTopo@usgs.gov. We will review it to determine if the map(s) should be added to the HTMC. If the map(s) should be added, we will send detailed instructions for scanning the map(s) and submitting the file(s) by email.
If more than ten maps are being donated or if you have questions about donating to the USGS HTMC, please contact us at USTopo@usgs.gov.
Examples:
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Example of that metadata in a spreadsheet that can be saved as a CSV (comma separated) file:
| Quadrangle Name | State | Map Date | Imprint Date | Scale | Woodland Tint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | VA | 1982 | 1982 | 24000 | Y |
Example of that metadata in a plain-text CSV list:
Quadrangle Name, State, Map Date, Imprint Date, Scale, Woodland Tint
Vienna, VA, 1982, 1982, 24000, Y
Scans should meet these basic specifications:
- 500 dpi or 600 dpi resolution
- RGB TIFF with no compression
- Reproduce the appearance of the paper map as it exists now; that is, no digital restoration or color correction
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Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo ." Though...
There are multiple copies of the same map in your Historical Topographic Map Collection that all have the same date. Is there a difference between those maps?
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Why are some of the historical topographic maps yellowed and why do some have extra stamps or marks?
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Will US Topo maps become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection when a newer version is published?
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Why are USGS historical topographic maps referenced to outdated datums?
Many different horizontal reference datums exist, but in the United States only three datums are commonly used: The North American Datum of 1927 ( NAD27 ) uses a starting point at a base station in Meades Ranch, Kansas and the Clarke Ellipsoid to calculate the shape of the Earth. The North American Datum of 1983 ( NAD83 ) was developed when satellites enabled a better model. Depending on one’s...
How current are US Topo maps?
US Topo maps are updated on a three-year production cycle (maps covering one third of the country are updated each year). The US Topo production schedule follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) collection schedule. This does not include US Topos for Alaska, which are on a different schedule . The linework features shown on the maps are generated...
TopoView - A look at version 2.1
A tutorial by USGS scientist and topoView developer Chris Garrity demonstrating how to use topoView version 2.1. TopoView let's you access and download maps free of charge from the USGS's Historical Topographic Map Collection, published between 1884 and 2006.
Resources:
An Introduction to TopoView (version 1.0)
Meadow Creek WV 1:62,500 topographic map, 1912
USGS 1:62,500-scale topographic map of Meadown Creek, West Virginia, publishsed 1912
USGS 1:62,500-scale topographic map of Meadown Creek, West Virginia, publishsed 1912
Related Content
- FAQ
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo ." Though...
There are multiple copies of the same map in your Historical Topographic Map Collection that all have the same date. Is there a difference between those maps?
Two or more historical topographic maps with the same date typically result from revisions and reprints. The differences are often minor. The date used to identify a map is in the lower right corner. If there are multiple editions with the same compilation date, look for additional dates in the lower right portion of the map collar that might differentiate them: Date on Map -- The year of base...
Why are some of the historical topographic maps yellowed and why do some have extra stamps or marks?
The goals of the Historical Topographic Map Collectio n (HTMC) project are to find, catalog, and georeference all USGS topographic quadrangle maps published prior to 2007. The overall purpose is to preserve the map archive for scientists, historians, and the public. Library copies of maps (many of which have library stamps) were therefore scanned "as is". Map restoration is not part of the current...
Will US Topo maps become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection when a newer version is published?
Superseded US Topo maps will remain available for download, but will not become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection , which is scans of USGS topographic quadrangles originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006. The first US Topo maps were published in 2009. They are updated and superseded every 3 years (maps for one third of the country are produced every year). This...
Why are USGS historical topographic maps referenced to outdated datums?
Many different horizontal reference datums exist, but in the United States only three datums are commonly used: The North American Datum of 1927 ( NAD27 ) uses a starting point at a base station in Meades Ranch, Kansas and the Clarke Ellipsoid to calculate the shape of the Earth. The North American Datum of 1983 ( NAD83 ) was developed when satellites enabled a better model. Depending on one’s...
How current are US Topo maps?
US Topo maps are updated on a three-year production cycle (maps covering one third of the country are updated each year). The US Topo production schedule follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) collection schedule. This does not include US Topos for Alaska, which are on a different schedule . The linework features shown on the maps are generated...
- Multimedia
TopoView - A look at version 2.1
A tutorial by USGS scientist and topoView developer Chris Garrity demonstrating how to use topoView version 2.1. TopoView let's you access and download maps free of charge from the USGS's Historical Topographic Map Collection, published between 1884 and 2006.
Resources:
An Introduction to TopoView (version 1.0)A tutorial by USGS scientist and topoView developer Chris Garrity demonstrating how to use topoView version 2.1. TopoView let's you access and download maps free of charge from the USGS's Historical Topographic Map Collection, published between 1884 and 2006.
Resources:
An Introduction to TopoView (version 1.0)
Meadow Creek WV 1:62,500 topographic map, 1912USGS 1:62,500-scale topographic map of Meadown Creek, West Virginia, publishsed 1912
USGS 1:62,500-scale topographic map of Meadown Creek, West Virginia, publishsed 1912
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