Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
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.
Learn more:
Related
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 Only current US Topo maps (not superseded maps) are available for bulk distribution (use topoView to download individual superseded maps).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...
What is a GeoPDF®?
A GeoPDF is a georeferenced PDF file, meaning that it is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file with added information that relates the image to coordinates on a map. GeoPDF files can be used as plain PDF files but have the added capability of some limited mapping functions (turn any map layers on and off, obtain XY coordinates for a location, measure length, and more). The USGS currently produces...
What is GeoMark and do USGS topographic maps have it?
Almost all historical topographic maps and all US Topo maps produced before June of 2017 were georeferenced using software from the company TerraGo. Those maps are all GeoMark enabled. GeoMark is TerraGo's geospatial data extension to PDF markup. GeoMark allows notes and geometric objects (lines, polygons, etc.) to be added to a GeoPDF and allows these objects to be exported to GIS files. Users of...
What does "georeferenced" mean?
Georeferencing means that the internal coordinate system of a digital map or aerial photo can be related to a ground system of geographic coordinates. A georeferenced digital map or image has been tied to a known Earth coordinate system, so users can determine where every point on the map or aerial photo is located on the Earth's surface. The relevant coordinate transforms are typically stored...
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...
Can I import a US Topo map into my Geographic Information System (GIS)?
Modern USGS topographic maps are derived from GIS data sets and are distributed as a digital Portable Document Format (PDF) for the benefit of non-specialist users. USGS topographic maps are considered the output of, rather than the input to, GIS. Many Geographic Information System (GIS) software cannot read or import a PDF file. It is not recommended to use USGS topographic maps in a GIS...
How can I find the source and vintage of each US Topo data layer?
US Topo maps have a credit legend in the lower left-hand corner of the map collar. This includes a short summary of data sources and data currency. More detailed source information is in an XML metadata file attached to each GeoPDF file. This file contains series-level, quad-level, and layer-level metadata, but US Topo does not preserve or track feature-level metadata. Open the GeoPDF map file in...
Example of a 2022 US Topo
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related
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...
What is a GeoPDF®?
A GeoPDF is a georeferenced PDF file, meaning that it is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file with added information that relates the image to coordinates on a map. GeoPDF files can be used as plain PDF files but have the added capability of some limited mapping functions (turn any map layers on and off, obtain XY coordinates for a location, measure length, and more). The USGS currently produces...
What is GeoMark and do USGS topographic maps have it?
Almost all historical topographic maps and all US Topo maps produced before June of 2017 were georeferenced using software from the company TerraGo. Those maps are all GeoMark enabled. GeoMark is TerraGo's geospatial data extension to PDF markup. GeoMark allows notes and geometric objects (lines, polygons, etc.) to be added to a GeoPDF and allows these objects to be exported to GIS files. Users of...
What does "georeferenced" mean?
Georeferencing means that the internal coordinate system of a digital map or aerial photo can be related to a ground system of geographic coordinates. A georeferenced digital map or image has been tied to a known Earth coordinate system, so users can determine where every point on the map or aerial photo is located on the Earth's surface. The relevant coordinate transforms are typically stored...
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...
Can I import a US Topo map into my Geographic Information System (GIS)?
Modern USGS topographic maps are derived from GIS data sets and are distributed as a digital Portable Document Format (PDF) for the benefit of non-specialist users. USGS topographic maps are considered the output of, rather than the input to, GIS. Many Geographic Information System (GIS) software cannot read or import a PDF file. It is not recommended to use USGS topographic maps in a GIS...
How can I find the source and vintage of each US Topo data layer?
US Topo maps have a credit legend in the lower left-hand corner of the map collar. This includes a short summary of data sources and data currency. More detailed source information is in an XML metadata file attached to each GeoPDF file. This file contains series-level, quad-level, and layer-level metadata, but US Topo does not preserve or track feature-level metadata. Open the GeoPDF map file in...
Example of a 2022 US Topo
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Date: January 14, 2025