US Topo Map Evolution

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:

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

• Topo TNM Style Template
• TNM Downloader
• TNM Web Map Services
• Training Videos

These 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.