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US Topo Map Evolution

By National Geospatial Program

topoBuilder

Create custom USGS topographic maps on demand using the best available data from The National Map

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In 2017, the US Topo map production system was redesigned and modernized to provide a system that facilitates long term goals for more efficient production and continued product improvements.

Create an OnDemand Topo

Screen capture of topoBuilder interface demonstrating custom area of interest selection step

Build a USGS-style topographic map with choice of format, area of interest, and National Map content.

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US TOPO PROGRAM UPDATE:

US Topo map production is transitioning away from a static 3-year refresh cycle. Nevertheless, maps will continue to be updated and published annually. Areas experiencing significant change since the last published map will be reproduced. Click here see the most up-to-date US Topo production schedule. 

Thank you for your patience as we make this adjustment to better meet the needs of our users. More information will be shared as we finalize our new production cycles.  Want the best available National Map data on a custom, on-demand, USGS topographic map? Click here to learn about topoBuilder and OnDemand Topos. 

 

This system produces maps in a format that uses a different georeferencing mechanism compliant with ISO 32000. The products can continue to be viewed and printed with Adobe Reader or any comparable PDF viewing software.

Additional information can be found in:

File icon US Topo Map Users Guide

US Topo refers specifically to USGS topographic maps published as digital documents in 2009 and later. USGS topographic maps originally published as paper documents in the period 1884-2006 have been scanned and can also be downloaded free of charge through the same interfaces. These maps are now called the Historical Topographic Map Collection.

 

US Topo Vision

The US Topo project repackages data from national GIS databases as traditional maps, primarily for the benefit of non-GIS users. Unlike traditional topographic maps, US Topo maps are mass-produced from secondary sources, on a rapid refresh cycle, using the best available data at the time of production.

 

Related Products and Services

These NGTOC products and services, combined with the potential of the modernized production system and other technology improvements, set the stage for a more dynamic system that can meet the future needs of a variety of end users, including (but not limited to) the following:

  • Water resource and flood risk management
  • Geologic mapping
  • Natural hazards
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Emergency management
  • Recreation

Our challenge will be to balance the needs of these communities, continue to improve quality and accessibility, and do it all with the available project resources.

Related Content

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 topographic maps. US Topo maps incorporate an orthorectifie
Authors
Larry R. Davis, Kristin A. Fishburn, Helmut Lestinsky, Laurence R. Moore, Jennifer L. Walter
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Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

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-based maps, US Topo maps provide modern technological
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Kristin A. Fishburn, William J. Carswell
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National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS)

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