Topographic Maps | U.S. Geological Survey
Source: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-geospatial-program/topographic-maps
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
Topographic Maps | U.S. Geological Survey
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topographic Maps
By
National Geospatial Program
Topographic Maps
A signature product of the U.S. Geological Survey
Access USGS Topo Maps
topoBuilder
Create custom USGS topographic maps on demand using the best available data from The National Map
Learn More
US Topo Maps - Powered by The National Map
Available for free and immediate download
Download Now
Explore Historical USGS Topographic Maps
The Historical Topographic Map Collection contains USGS topographic maps published 1884 to 2006
Download Now
National Geospatial Program
Home
About NGP
The National Map
Topographic Maps
US Topo: Maps for America
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
3D Elevation Program
3D Hydrography Program
User Engagement
Geospatial Information Response Team
Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
FAQ
Publications
News
Topographic maps became a signature product of the USGS because the public found them - then and now - to be a critical and versatile tool for viewing the nation's vast landscape.
Get Topo Maps
Current US Topos and historical topographic maps are available as digital files or printed to order.
Learn More
Create an OnDemand Topo
Build a USGS topographic map with choice of format, area of interest, scale, and National Map content.
Launch topoBuilder
The National Map
The National Geospatial Program publishes a variety of geospatial data products and services via The National Map.
Go to The National Map Landing Page
A Brief Overview of USGS Topographic Maps
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Learn more.
USGS topographic maps fall into three primary product categories:
1. The
Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC)
is the set of scanned images of USGS topographic quadrangle maps originally published as paper documents in the period 1884-2006. Visit
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
for more information.
2.
US Topo
is the current USGS topographic map series for the Nation. These are modeled on the legacy 7.5-minute maps, but are mass-produced from GIS databases of The National Map and published as digital documents. Please visit
US Topo: Maps for America
for full details.
3.
OnDemand Topos
are USGS-style topographic maps created using the
topoBuilder application
. These maps are generated upon request using the best available data from The National Map and offer customizations such as choice of format, area of interest, and National Map content. Learn more at the
topoBuilder landing page
.
Additional Resources
Explore All Options for Downloading or Ordering USGS Topographic Maps
Explore All Options for Downloading or Ordering USGS Topographic Maps
Topographic Map FAQs
Topographic Map FAQs
Access Lists of All Versions of US Topo and Historical Topographic Maps
Access Lists of All Versions of US Topo and Historical Topographic Maps
US Topo: Maps for America
US Topo: Maps for America
Building on the success of more than 130 years of USGS topographic mapping, the US Topo series is the current generation of maps of the American landscape.
US Topo: Maps for America
US Topo: Maps for America
Building on the success of more than 130 years of USGS topographic mapping, the US Topo series is the current generation of maps of the American landscape.
Learn More
topoBuilder
topoBuilder
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.
topoBuilder
topoBuilder
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.
Learn More
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
The goal of The National Map’s Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC) is to provide a digital repository of USGS 1:250,000 scale and larger maps printed between 1884 and 2006.
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
The goal of The National Map’s Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC) is to provide a digital repository of USGS 1:250,000 scale and larger maps printed between 1884 and 2006.
Learn More
Related
Publications
Web Tools
FAQ
January 1, 2010
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
No abstract available.
Authors
J. Campbell, M.R. Newell, D.A. Perdue
November 19, 2009
History of the topographic branch (division)
History of the topographic branch (division)
From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by...
Authors
Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
By
National Geospatial Program
May 22, 2024
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
By
National Geospatial Program
,
National Digital Trails
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
November 3, 2022
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area
,
National Geospatial Program
,
3D Elevation Program
,
National Hydrography
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
December 28, 2021
topoView
topoView
topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps
By
National Geospatial Program
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
Learn More
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Learn More
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
Learn More
Related
January 1, 2010
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
No abstract available.
Authors
J. Campbell, M.R. Newell, D.A. Perdue
November 19, 2009
History of the topographic branch (division)
History of the topographic branch (division)
From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by...
Authors
Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
By
National Geospatial Program
May 22, 2024
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
By
National Geospatial Program
,
National Digital Trails
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
November 3, 2022
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area
,
National Geospatial Program
,
3D Elevation Program
,
National Hydrography
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
December 28, 2021
topoView
topoView
topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps
By
National Geospatial Program
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
Learn More
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Learn More
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
Learn More
Contacts
The National Map (TNM) Help Desk
TNM Help Desk
National Geospatial Program
Email
tnm_help@usgs.gov
Quick Links
US Topo: Maps for America
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
3D Elevation Program
National Hydrography
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
TNM Supporting Themes
Topographic Map Training Videos
Go to National Geospatial Program Home
Was this page helpful?
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Topographic Maps
By
National Geospatial Program
Topographic Maps
A signature product of the U.S. Geological Survey
Access USGS Topo Maps
topoBuilder
Create custom USGS topographic maps on demand using the best available data from The National Map
Learn More
US Topo Maps - Powered by The National Map
Available for free and immediate download
Download Now
Explore Historical USGS Topographic Maps
The Historical Topographic Map Collection contains USGS topographic maps published 1884 to 2006
Download Now
National Geospatial Program
Home
About NGP
The National Map
Topographic Maps
US Topo: Maps for America
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
3D Elevation Program
3D Hydrography Program
User Engagement
Geospatial Information Response Team
Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
FAQ
Publications
News
Topographic maps became a signature product of the USGS because the public found them - then and now - to be a critical and versatile tool for viewing the nation's vast landscape.
Get Topo Maps
Current US Topos and historical topographic maps are available as digital files or printed to order.
Learn More
Create an OnDemand Topo
Build a USGS topographic map with choice of format, area of interest, scale, and National Map content.
Launch topoBuilder
The National Map
The National Geospatial Program publishes a variety of geospatial data products and services via The National Map.
Go to The National Map Landing Page
A Brief Overview of USGS Topographic Maps
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Learn more.
USGS topographic maps fall into three primary product categories:
1. The
Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC)
is the set of scanned images of USGS topographic quadrangle maps originally published as paper documents in the period 1884-2006. Visit
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
for more information.
2.
US Topo
is the current USGS topographic map series for the Nation. These are modeled on the legacy 7.5-minute maps, but are mass-produced from GIS databases of The National Map and published as digital documents. Please visit
US Topo: Maps for America
for full details.
3.
OnDemand Topos
are USGS-style topographic maps created using the
topoBuilder application
. These maps are generated upon request using the best available data from The National Map and offer customizations such as choice of format, area of interest, and National Map content. Learn more at the
topoBuilder landing page
.
Additional Resources
Explore All Options for Downloading or Ordering USGS Topographic Maps
Explore All Options for Downloading or Ordering USGS Topographic Maps
Topographic Map FAQs
Topographic Map FAQs
Access Lists of All Versions of US Topo and Historical Topographic Maps
Access Lists of All Versions of US Topo and Historical Topographic Maps
US Topo: Maps for America
US Topo: Maps for America
Building on the success of more than 130 years of USGS topographic mapping, the US Topo series is the current generation of maps of the American landscape.
US Topo: Maps for America
US Topo: Maps for America
Building on the success of more than 130 years of USGS topographic mapping, the US Topo series is the current generation of maps of the American landscape.
Learn More
topoBuilder
topoBuilder
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.
topoBuilder
topoBuilder
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.
Learn More
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
The goal of The National Map’s Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC) is to provide a digital repository of USGS 1:250,000 scale and larger maps printed between 1884 and 2006.
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
The goal of The National Map’s Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC) is to provide a digital repository of USGS 1:250,000 scale and larger maps printed between 1884 and 2006.
Learn More
Related
Publications
Web Tools
FAQ
January 1, 2010
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
No abstract available.
Authors
J. Campbell, M.R. Newell, D.A. Perdue
November 19, 2009
History of the topographic branch (division)
History of the topographic branch (division)
From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by...
Authors
Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
By
National Geospatial Program
May 22, 2024
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
By
National Geospatial Program
,
National Digital Trails
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
November 3, 2022
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area
,
National Geospatial Program
,
3D Elevation Program
,
National Hydrography
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
December 28, 2021
topoView
topoView
topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps
By
National Geospatial Program
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
Learn More
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Learn More
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
Learn More
Related
January 1, 2010
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
Building on a legacy: 125 years of USGS topographic map
No abstract available.
Authors
J. Campbell, M.R. Newell, D.A. Perdue
November 19, 2009
History of the topographic branch (division)
History of the topographic branch (division)
From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by...
Authors
Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
By
National Geospatial Program
May 22, 2024
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
By
National Geospatial Program
,
National Digital Trails
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
November 3, 2022
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
Download Data & Maps from The National Map
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area
,
National Geospatial Program
,
3D Elevation Program
,
National Hydrography
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
December 28, 2021
topoView
topoView
topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps
By
National Geospatial Program
,
The National Map - Data Delivery
,
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles. In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos, which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
How do US Topo maps differ from historical USGS topographic maps?
Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. By today's standards, those traditional methods are very expensive and time-consuming, and the USGS no longer has funding to make maps that way. A new USGS topographic map series was launched in 2009 and branded " US Topo." Though...
Learn More
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Can I still get the older topographic maps?
Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...
Learn More
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
How do USGS OnDemand Topo maps differ from US Topo maps?
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...
Learn More
Contacts
The National Map (TNM) Help Desk
TNM Help Desk
National Geospatial Program
tnm_help@usgs.gov
Quick Links
US Topo: Maps for America
Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past
3D Elevation Program
National Hydrography
U.S. Board on Geographic Names
TNM Supporting Themes
Topographic Map Training Videos
Go to National Geospatial Program Home
Was this page helpful?