topoBuilder
topoBuilder
Create custom USGS topographic maps on demand using the best available data from The National Map
Explore Historical USGS Topographic Maps
The Historical Topographic Map Collection contains USGS topographic maps published from 1886 to 2006
The newest USGS topo map web app gives the public the opportunity to create custom topographic maps on demand. The online application is called topoBuilder and the output maps are known as OnDemand Topos.
Create an OnDemand Topo
Build a USGS topographic map with choice of format, area of interest, scale, and National Map content.
More USGS Topo Maps
US Topo maps, OnDemand Topo maps, and the Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC) are produced by the National Geospatial Program.
Jump to: ONDEMAND TOPO MAP TYPES | ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & RELATED CONTENT
Introduction to topoBuilder & OnDemand Topos
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as OnDemand Topos, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
- Exclusive to topoBuilder is the ability to center maps anywhere* users choose. OnDemand Topo maps do not need to align with the traditional USGS map grids so one map can cover an area that may have previously required up to four maps.
- Users also have their choice of file format (georeferenced PDF or TIFF).
- The Edit Layers capability lets users select which layers of The National Map they would like to be included in their custom map product.
- Users then simply enter a valid email address and a direct link to download their unique map will be delivered free of charge. Maps are often delivered within 24 hours but may take up to 5 business days.
OnDemand Topo contours and shaded relief are generated on the fly from the latest USGS elevation data, including high-quality lidar and IfSAR data acquired through the 3D Elevation Program.
OnDemand Topo Map Types
There are currently two OnDemand Topo Map Types available: The 7.5-Minute Topo and the 100K Topo.
7.5-Minute Topo
7.5-Minute Topos closely resemble historical 7.5-minute USGS map products as well as US Topo maps.
- This large-scale map type provides a high level of detail over approximately 50 to 70 square miles per map and can be used for recreation and navigation (orienteering and geocaching), city planning, search and rescue, science studies such as geologic and geographic field work, and much more.
- In order to balance areal extent shown and printed product page size at varying locations on the Earth's surface, three scales are found within this map type:
- 1:24,000 for the contiguous United States and Hawaii
- 1:25,000 for Alaska
- 1:20,000 for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- An additional customization is available for 7.5-Minute Topos: Contour smoothing. Users may choose the level of contour detail best suited for their unique map needs.
100K Topo
100K Topos are 1:100,000-scale maps inspired by the 30- by 60-minute map series published by the USGS through the end of the 20th century.
- These medium-scale maps are designed to cover an area of approximately 1,500 to 2,200 square miles and are ideal for any application where information across a large area is needed.
- While 100K Topos contains less detail than the 7.5-Minute Topos, they still provide enough information for many traditional and recreational uses as well as some science and planning applications.
- 100K Topo maps also feature brand new land cover categories, such as grassland and crop/pasture, in addition to woodland tint
- In order to support a consistent snapshot of 1:100,000-scale National Map data, content on 100K Topos may be less current than data appearing on a contemporary 7.5-Minute Topo map.
To learn more about map scales and how they differ in detail, content, and area coverage please visit the USGS Map Scales publication.
*OnDemand Topo maps are available anywhere within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.
topoBuilder is accessible via desktop computer or mobile device. Questions and feedback are welcomed by The National Map Help Desk at tnm_help@usgs.gov.
Additional Resources
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topoBuilder Release Notes
The current release of topoBuilder is version 1.5.6. Read about bug fixes, enhancements, and other changes to topoBuilder and OnDemand Topos. Notes on both the current and previous releases are available.
Known Issues - topoBuilder and OnDemand Topo
This page contains the most up-to-date documentation of known issues for the topoBuilder application and OnDemand Topo map products.
View & Download topoBuilder Data from The National Map
USGS Topographic Map Overview
US Topo: Maps for America
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
National Geospatial Program Home Page
National Geospatial Program Training Videos
Related Content
USGS expands National Map digital offerings, putting mountain-scale topography at user’s fingertips
New 1:100,000-scale OnDemand Topo maps now available in topoBuilder application.
Below are links to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USGS topographic maps.
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the...
What is an OnDemand Topo?
OnDemand Topos are USGS topographic maps generated on demand (at no cost) using the topoBuilder application and the best available data from The National Map . The ability to customize your map and center it wherever you choose is exclusive to topoBuilder. OnDemand Topo map extents do not need to align with the traditional grids utilized by US Topos and other USGS topographic maps. Once a map has...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
USGS OnDemand Topo maps and USGS US Topo maps are built using similar datasets but can look different depending on what areas or options the user selects. OnDemand Topos--created using the topoBuilder application --offer customizations such as custom extents, a variety of scales, contour smoothing, and user-selected data layers. They include U.S. Territory coverage that is not available on US...
Related Content
- News
USGS expands National Map digital offerings, putting mountain-scale topography at user’s fingertips
New 1:100,000-scale OnDemand Topo maps now available in topoBuilder application.
- FAQ
Below are links to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USGS topographic maps.
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the...
What is an OnDemand Topo?
OnDemand Topos are USGS topographic maps generated on demand (at no cost) using the topoBuilder application and the best available data from The National Map . The ability to customize your map and center it wherever you choose is exclusive to topoBuilder. OnDemand Topo map extents do not need to align with the traditional grids utilized by US Topos and other USGS topographic maps. Once a map has...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
USGS OnDemand Topo maps and USGS US Topo maps are built using similar datasets but can look different depending on what areas or options the user selects. OnDemand Topos--created using the topoBuilder application --offer customizations such as custom extents, a variety of scales, contour smoothing, and user-selected data layers. They include U.S. Territory coverage that is not available on US...