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. The best known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also known as 7.5-minute quadrangles.
Download all dates and scales of USGS topographic maps free of charge from the following applications or order paper copies of all dates through the USGS Store. This includes both current US Topo maps (computer generated every 3 years since 2009) and Historical topographic maps (produced by hand until 2009). Most applications have an option for toggling on map indices showing an outline of all the maps, though you must zoom in to see the lines:
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Map Locator on the USGS Store -- Search and download free digital maps in GeoPDF format or order paper maps. This is the only USGS site for ordering paper maps.
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TopoView -- The largest selection of digital options. Download free digital maps in GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPG, and KMZ formats.
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Advanced users can also use The National Map and the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to download digital topographic maps.
The online USGS Store is the only site for ordering paper topographic maps. Use the Store’s Map Locator or the Keyword Search box in the upper right.
Learn more:
Related Content
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
What is a topographic map?
How do I get a full-scale plot of a 1:24,000-scale (7.5-minute) topographic map?
How current are US Topo maps?
Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?
How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Can I get a bulk order of USGS topographic maps in PDF format for a state or the entire country?
Historical Maps at Your Fingertips
Earlier this month, the USGS launched “TopoView 2.1”, an enhancement to the current popular TopoView mapping service that lets users discover, interact, and download historical USGS topographic maps scans.
Finding Yourself Outdoors
Updated USGS digital topographic maps feature more trails and other recreation points of interest
Story Map - Topographic Maps for the Nation
The USGS National Geospatial Program has released an interactive Story Map giving viewers an overview of the US Topo map program
Mapping the National Parks
The national parks of the United States are often compared to, and indeed inspire, works of art. In fact, the USGS has been regularly contributing new and updated works of art for the national parks—maps.
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
In this lesson, we will discuss the USGS Store and how it can be used to access the US Topo and historical USGS Topographic maps. Specifically, this lesson will talk about the USGS Store, both where it’s accessed and what’s available at the store, as well as how you can locate and download free topographic maps through the store.
1951 USGS legacy topographic map of the Monson West, ME
1951 USGS legacy topographic map of the Monson West (Maine) quadrangle, 1:62,500 scale.