What we do

In 1889, Congress first made annual appropriations to the USGS for topographic mapping. The NGTOC continues that work today.

The NGTOC provides leadership and world-class technical expertise in the acquisition and management of trusted geospatial data, services, and map products for the Nation. It is responsible for the implementation of national geospatial projects including the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP), and a variety of topographic mapping products and services which constitute The National Map.

Geospatial research is conducted by geospatial scientists in the Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS).

Simply put, we are "the map people." We gather official data to make official federal maps free for public use.