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US Topo Cartographic Specifications

By NGP Standards and Specifications

This page and associated links define the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital topographic map (US Topo) cartographic specifications including feature symbology and annotation. The specifications are organized by data sets and themes listed below.

Cartographic Specifications Themes

Additional Information

US Topo maps are intended to serve conventional map users by providing geographic information system (GIS) information in symbolized form in the customary topographic map layout. The maps are not intended for advanced GIS analysis applications. These products are built on standard coordinate systems and include full U.S. National Grid (USNG) lines, making US Topo maps particularly useful for emergency first-response operations. These maps are also used by traditional topographic map users, such as resource managers, planners, and recreational users who continue to have a need for the symbolized feature data contained in the 7.5-minute quadrangle maps.

This page and its links replace the cartographic specifications query from the Specification Explore web application (Spec-X).

 

Maintenance

The National Geospatial Program (NGP) of the USGS maintains standards for The National Map (TNM; https://nationalmap.gov/), including map standards for US Topo prod­ucts, and Historical Topographic Map Collection products. Submit questions and comments concerning this document to the U.S. Geological Survey National Geospatial Program Standards group at nmpstds@usgs.gov.

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