How do I get a full-scale plot of a 1:24,000-scale (7.5-minute) topographic map?
There are three ways to get full-scale plots of USGS topographic quadrangle maps, including both Historical Topographic maps (produced 1884-2006) and US Topo maps (produced 2009-present).
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Order a paper map from the USGS Store. Use the Store’s Map Locator to find the desired map.
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Download the GeoPDF map file and send it to a local printing business.
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Download the GeoPDF map file and plot it on your own large-format plotter.
Unlike our Historical topographic maps, US Topo maps contain more data layers than can be clearly printed at the same time (for example, users probably don't want to print contours and the orthoimage together). To take full advantage of the map customization allowed by the US Topo layers, options 2 and 3 are recommended. The US Topo’s orthoimage layer is NOT included on printed maps ordered through the USGS Store, so their printed US Topo maps very closely resemble Historical topographic maps.
The size of printed 1:24,000-scale topographic maps distributed by the USGS can vary slightly, but they are typically 22 x 27 inches (higher latitudes) or 23 x 27 inches (lower latitudes). Those measurements include the map collar (the white margin around the map and the wealth of information in it).
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Related Content
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
Do you offer teacher discounts for your maps and other cost products?
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?
How current are US Topo maps?
Are US Topo products available for Alaska?
What is a GeoPDF®?
Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?
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
Lesson 8b: Printing US Topos
In this lesson we will demonstrate three options for printing US Topos.
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.
US Topo Story Map – Topographic Maps for the Nation
US Topo Story Map – Topographic Maps for the Nation
US Topo
US Topo is the next generation of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel (and perform) like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known. In contrast to paper-based maps, US Topo maps provide modern technical advantages
Updated 2015 version of the Madison West US Topo quadrangle
Updated 2015 version of the Madison West US Topo quadrangle with orthoimage turned off to better see the improved road network. (1:24,000 scale)