Reflections on National Topographic Mapping

On December 3, 2009, more than 300 people gathered at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) headquarters in Reston, Virginia, to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of USGS topographic mapping. The ceremony opened with a special production by Duke Ellington School of the Arts Concert Chorale, and continued with presentations featuring discussions:

• on the benefits of topographic maps,
• the history of USGS topographic mapping,
• the announcement of the new USGS digital topographic map product (US Topo)
• the introduction of the new National Map Viewer  
• advise on future directions from Dr. David Cowan
• and concluded with some special award presentations and a display of historic pictures and artifacts