Why was the PDF file format selected for US Topo maps?
US Topo maps are intended to serve map users who are not GIS specialists. The priority design objectives were to create a traditional topographic map as a digital document that could be displayed on a typical computer without specialized software and printed at map scale without specialized software or expertise. We believe PDF is the only format in common use that satisfies these requirements. PDF is also the only commonly used format that can carry raster data, vector data, and formatted text annotation.
All dates of USGS topographic maps (both Historical topographic maps and US Topo maps) can also be freely downloaded in GeoTIFF, JPG, and KMZ formats using TopoView.
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Related Content
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
What does "georeferenced" mean?
How can I find the source and vintage of each US Topo data layer?
What is GeoMark and do USGS topographic maps have it?
Can I import a US Topo map into my Geographic Information System (GIS)?
What is a GeoPDF®?
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?
US Topo Product Standard
This document defines a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital topographic map. This map product series, named “US Topo,” is modeled on the now historical USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic map series produced and printed by the USGS from 1947 to 2006. US Topo maps have the same extent, scale, and general layout as the historical...
Davis, Larry R.; Fishburn, Kristin A.; Lestinsky, Helmut; Moore, Laurence R.; Walter, Jennifer L.
US Topo—Topographic maps for the Nation
Building on the success of 125 years of mapping, the U.S. Geological Survey created US Topo, a georeferenced digital map produced from The National Map data. US Topo maps are designed to be used like the traditional 7.5-minute quadrangle paper topographic maps for which the U.S. Geological Survey is so well known. However, in contrast to paper-...
Fishburn, Kristin A.; Carswell, William J.
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
US Topo Maps Reach Milestone
With the release of new US Topo maps for Illinois and South Dakota, the USGS has completed the second, three-year cycle of revising and updating electronic US Topo quadrangles. This means that since late 2009, the USGS has published nearly every map in the conterminous U.S., twice.
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.
Lesson 8a: US Topos Created after June 2017
In this lesson we will demonstrate how to open and manipulate data layers using Adobe Reader DC and Adobe Acrobat Pro. We will also learn how to use basic tools like panning, zooming and making measurements.
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)
How to Configure the Topo TNM Style Template
This is lesson 12 - How to configure the Topo TNM Style Template. This lesson consists of a series of videos intended to introduce the user to the Topo TNM Style Template and the Topo Map Vector Data products. We will discuss the how and why they are needed and used. We will show you where to download the Template and the various products. Finally, we will provide step-by-
Downloading the Style Template and Topo Map Vector Data Products
This is lesson 12, Downloading the Style Template and Topo Map Vector Data Products. This lesson consists of a series of videos intended to introduce the user to the Topo TNM Style Template and the Topo Map Vector Data products. We will discuss the how and why they are needed and used. We will show you where to download the Template and the various products. Finally, we
US Topo Story Map – Topographic Maps for the Nation
US Topo Story Map – Topographic Maps for the Nation
screenshot of mobile mapping app
Screen shot of a mobile mapping service integrating USGS topographic data; hiking and biking trails south of Golden, Colo. Trail data in KML/GPX overlaid via AlpineQuest.
Using US Topo and Historic Topo Maps on your Mobile Device
Lesson 6a: Using USGS US Topo and Historic Topographic Maps on your Mobile Device - This video demonstrates how to download and use US Topo and Historic Topographic maps on a mobile device.
Please note that some of our URLs in the video have changed. All URLs beginning with 'viewer.nationalmap.gov/...' have been updated to 'apps.nationalmap.gov/...'. These URLs
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