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.
Free and Immediate Downloads
Use any of these applications to download free digital topographic maps:
- topoView -- The largest selection of digital options. All dates and all scales of topographic maps.
- The National Map Download Client -- All dates and all scales of topographic maps.
- Map Locator in the USGS Store – All dates and all scales of topographic maps prior to 2009, but only the most current version of the US Topo (after 2009).
Each application has an option for toggling on a map index showing an outline of all maps at a specific scale.
Free Custom Topographic Maps
Use the topoBuilder application to request OnDemand Topos, which resemble US Topos and utilize the best available data from The National Map at the time of request. The ability to center the map wherever you choose is an exclusive feature of OnDemand Topos. Other options include selecting which map layers to include. Maps are digitally delivered free of charge. Maps are usually delivered within 24 hours, but might take up to 5 business days.
Printed Maps
The online USGS Store is the only site for ordering paper topographic maps. Use the Store’s Map Locator, the “Find a Map” search function on the Store homepage, or the Keyword Search box at the top right of the Store homepage to find the map you need.
Learn More:
- More information on USGS Topographic Maps
- USGS Topographic Map Training Videos
- Video lesson for using the Map Locator on the USGS Store
Related
How current are US Topo maps? 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...
How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement? How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement?
US Topo maps are as accurate as the data sources used to make them, but because these sources are many and varied, it is not possible to make a single simple statement that the map as a whole meets a particular level of accuracy. US Topo maps, therefore, do not have a traditional accuracy statement in the map collar. Accuracy information for individual data sources is included in the metadata file...
Can I get a bulk order of USGS topographic maps in PDF format for a state or the entire country? Can I get a bulk order of USGS topographic maps in PDF format for a state or the entire country?
Bulk delivery is available for US Topo maps (produced 2009-present) and the Historical Topographic Map Collection (produced 1884-2006). Only current US Topo maps (not superseded maps) are available for bulk distribution (use topoView to download individual superseded maps). Bulk delivery options are currently only available for maps in GeoPDF file format. Options for bulk delivery: 1. Batch...
Where can I find a topographic map symbol sheet? Where can I find a topographic map symbol sheet?
Like topographic maps, topographic map symbols have evolved over time. There is no single document that describes all of the symbols used on all USGS topographic maps since they were first created. Maps published 2013-present: US Topo maps have a symbol sheet attached to the map file (PDF format only). Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and click on the paperclip icon. Maps published 1947-2009...
Related
How current are US Topo maps? 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...
How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement? How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement?
US Topo maps are as accurate as the data sources used to make them, but because these sources are many and varied, it is not possible to make a single simple statement that the map as a whole meets a particular level of accuracy. US Topo maps, therefore, do not have a traditional accuracy statement in the map collar. Accuracy information for individual data sources is included in the metadata file...
Can I get a bulk order of USGS topographic maps in PDF format for a state or the entire country? Can I get a bulk order of USGS topographic maps in PDF format for a state or the entire country?
Bulk delivery is available for US Topo maps (produced 2009-present) and the Historical Topographic Map Collection (produced 1884-2006). Only current US Topo maps (not superseded maps) are available for bulk distribution (use topoView to download individual superseded maps). Bulk delivery options are currently only available for maps in GeoPDF file format. Options for bulk delivery: 1. Batch...
Where can I find a topographic map symbol sheet? Where can I find a topographic map symbol sheet?
Like topographic maps, topographic map symbols have evolved over time. There is no single document that describes all of the symbols used on all USGS topographic maps since they were first created. Maps published 2013-present: US Topo maps have a symbol sheet attached to the map file (PDF format only). Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and click on the paperclip icon. Maps published 1947-2009...