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A New Generation of Maps



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US Topo is the new generation of digital topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the traditional 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps look and feel like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known. At the same time, US Topo maps provide modern technical advantages that support wider and faster public distribution and enable basic, on-screen geographic analysis.

US Topo maps are available free on the Web through the USGS Store. Each map quadrangle is constructed in PDF format with geospatial extensions (GeoPDF®) format from key layers of geographic data – orthoimagery, roads, geographic names, contours and hydrographic features - found in The National Map. The National Map is a nationwide collection of integrated data from local, State, Federal, and other sources. The most recent US Topos include boundaries and woodland.

US Topo users can turn geographic data layers on and off as needed; zoom in and out to highlight specific features or see a broader context; and print the maps, in their entirety or in customized sections, on a wide variety of printing devices. Viewing and analytical tools are available free for download from Adobe and TerraGo Technologies. File size for each digital 7.5-minute quadrangle is about 15-20 megabytes.

Production of the US Topo prototype, "Digital Map–Beta," began in June 2009. Production of US Topo maps began in October 2009. The newer US Topos include all of the content of the earlier "Digital Map–Beta," plus integrated contours and hydrographic features. US Topos are modeled on the prior, printed USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map series which was completed in 1992.

As the US Topo product evolves, the USGS will incorporate additional data layers from The National Map. More information about US Topo maps can be found here.

The USGS also provides digital versions of earlier edition topographic quadrangle maps through the Historical Topographic Map Collection. These maps also are available for download through the USGS Store.

The USGS values your comments and suggestions about the new US Topo.

Coverage

Current US Topo map coverage.

US Topo Work Plan

In October 2009, the USGS began to load US Topo maps to the USGS Store distribution point where the maps are available for free download. Existing "Digital Maps–Beta," also are available for free download either as the current quadrangle map or as an historical map once they are replaced by revised and enhanced US Topos produced by the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center.

How US Topos Differ from Traditional USGS Topographic Maps

  • Made from nationally consistent data that are quality assured to high standards
  • Downloadable free from the USGS Store
  • Free downloadable user tools
  • Selectable reference systems:
    • Latitude-Longitude
    • UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
    • MGRS (Military Grid Reference System)
  • Interactive capabilities with Google Maps®
  • A planned 3-year revision cycle, facilitating incorporation of additional data layers

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URL: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html
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Page Last Modified: Thursday, 01-Dec-2011 07:35:32 EST