How do USDA Forest Service maps differ from USGS topographic maps?
USDA Forest Service Visitor Maps are at a smaller scale (they show a larger area but less detail) than standard 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) USGS topographic maps. Unlike USGS topographic maps, Forest Service Visitor maps typically do not show elevation contours. U.S. Forest Service Visitor Maps include recreational information about camping, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities. They might also show points of interest, area travel restrictions, visitor safety tips, local plant and wildlife, visitor centers, and ranger stations. None of those features are included on a USGS topographic map.
Forest Service Atlases and Wilderness Maps are topographic maps (like USGS topographic maps) at a scale of 1:63,360, meaning that one inch on the map represents 63,360 inches (one mile) on the ground. The standard scale for USGS topographic maps is 1:24,000, meaning that one inch on the map represents 24,000 inches (about 0.4 miles) on the ground. So standard USGS maps show a smaller area with more detail.
Forest Service FS Topo Maps are intended for internal Forest Service use, though they are available to the public. FSTopo maps are very similar to USGS US Topo maps. The primary difference is that FSTopo maps show Forest Service administrative boundaries and proclaimed boundaries (like private inholdings).
On average, the Forest Service maps are updated every 2-7 years. US Topo maps (published by the USGS since 2009) are updated every 3 years.
Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store. Enter the name of the forest in the search window at the top of the website or in the Find a Map section, or select Forest Service Visitor Maps from the Products/Maps and Publications section.
Download free digital Forest Service maps from the USDA Forest Service Maps website.
Learn more:
Related Content
Are all Forest Service maps available from the USGS?
Paper copies of all Forest Service maps--including Forest Visitor Maps, National Forest Atlases, and Wilderness Maps--are sold through the online USGS Store, though they might not always be in stock. Paper maps are also available for purchase at some Forest Service offices and at some retail outlets. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of...
Are trails and/or symbols clearly shown on U.S. Forest Service maps? Where is the legend?
Trails and symbols are clearly shown on USDA Forest Service maps. A comprehensive legend appears on each map. Since each map is unique, placement of the legend and symbolization might vary from map to map. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of the forest in the search window at the top of the website or in the Find a Map section, or select...
When would I use USDA Forest Service maps?
USDA Forest Service Visitor Maps are best used to view an entire National Forest. They are great for driving through or planning a trip to the forest and for showing recreational sites, campgrounds, public information sites, and other attractions in the forest. Forest Service Wilderness Maps are topographic maps that show natural features such as mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and...
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
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...
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the...
Related Content
- FAQ
Are all Forest Service maps available from the USGS?
Paper copies of all Forest Service maps--including Forest Visitor Maps, National Forest Atlases, and Wilderness Maps--are sold through the online USGS Store, though they might not always be in stock. Paper maps are also available for purchase at some Forest Service offices and at some retail outlets. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of...
Are trails and/or symbols clearly shown on U.S. Forest Service maps? Where is the legend?
Trails and symbols are clearly shown on USDA Forest Service maps. A comprehensive legend appears on each map. Since each map is unique, placement of the legend and symbolization might vary from map to map. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of the forest in the search window at the top of the website or in the Find a Map section, or select...
When would I use USDA Forest Service maps?
USDA Forest Service Visitor Maps are best used to view an entire National Forest. They are great for driving through or planning a trip to the forest and for showing recreational sites, campgrounds, public information sites, and other attractions in the forest. Forest Service Wilderness Maps are topographic maps that show natural features such as mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and...
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
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...
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the...
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