This is a close-up of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map (100K Topo) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZ NST) from the Kaibab Plateau at top to the Grand Canyon North Rim at bottom. The AZ NST is highlighted in red. This map shows contour lines, hydrography, landform names, land cover, federal lands, roads, and structures.
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the ocean bottom, and the steepness of slopes.
USGS topographic maps also show many other kinds of geographic features including roads, railroads, rivers, streams, lakes, boundaries, place or feature names, mountains, and much more. Older maps (published before 2006) show additional features such as trails, buildings, towns, mountain elevations, and survey control points. Those will be added to more current maps over time.
The phrase "USGS topographic map" can refer to maps with a wide range of scales. Each topographic map has a unique name.
The USGS offers 3 categories of topographic maps:
OnDemand Topos enable users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps. These maps utilize the best available data from The National Map. Exclusive to the topoBuilder application is the ability to select from multiple map scales and center maps wherever users choose.
US Topo maps are the current 1:24,000 scale* topographic map series, published as digital documents (that can also be printed) from 2009 to the present.
The Historical Topographic Map Collection is scanned images of maps originally published (at all scales) as paper documents in the period 1884-2006.
The USGS also publishes other kinds of maps, including some topographic maps that are not standard quadrangle maps.
Learn more:
Related
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 get a full-scale plot of a USGS topographic map?
There are three ways to get full-scale plots of USGS topographic quadrangle maps, including H istorical Topographic maps (produced 1884-2006), U S Topo maps (produced 2009-present) or customized OnDemand Topos. Order a paper map from the USGS Store. Use the Store’s Map Locator to find the desired map.* Download a free map file and send it to a local printing business. USGS topographic maps are...
How are U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps named?
A USGS topographic map is usually named for the most prominent feature within the bounds of the map, frequently a community. Most topographic maps are named for the most centrally located, well-known, and/or largest community labeled on the map. If the community for which the map should be named falls on two or more maps, a directional term might be used such as East and West. An example is...
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
There are multiple copies of the same map in your Historical Topographic Map Collection that all have the same date. Is there a difference between those maps?
Two or more historical topographic maps with the same date typically result from revisions and reprints. The differences are often minor. The date used to identify a map is in the lower right corner. If there are multiple editions with the same compilation date, look for additional dates in the lower right portion of the map collar that might differentiate them: Date on Map -- The year of base...
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 current are US Topo maps?
US Topo maps are updated on a three-year production cycle (maps covering one third of the country are updated each year). The US Topo production schedule follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) collection schedule. This does not include US Topos for Alaska, which are on a different schedule. The linework features shown on the maps are generated...
Will US Topo maps become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection when a newer version is published?
Superseded US Topo maps will remain available for download, but will not become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection, which is scans of USGS topographic quadrangles originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006. The first US Topo maps were published in 2009. They are updated and superseded every 3 years (maps for one third of the country are produced every year). This does...
Do you offer teacher discounts for your maps and other cost products?
Yes. Educational institutions qualify for discounts on purchases made through the online USGS Store. To receive any discounts you must first be set up in their system. Please fax your request on school letterhead (or on a purchase order) to 303-202-4693 and include your Federal Tax ID number ( not to be confused with your Federal Tax Exempt Number). For questions, call 1-888-MAP-DEAL (1-888-627...
100K Topo map showing Grand Canyon National Park to Kaibab National Forest.
This is a close-up of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map (100K Topo) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZ NST) from the Kaibab Plateau at top to the Grand Canyon North Rim at bottom. The AZ NST is highlighted in red. This map shows contour lines, hydrography, landform names, land cover, federal lands, roads, and structures.
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover screen capture example from Colorado map. All other data except for shaded relief has been removed from the background.
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover screen capture example from Colorado map. All other data except for shaded relief has been removed from the background.
Example of a 2022 US Topo
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series released between 1884 and 2006.
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series released between 1884 and 2006.
Collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner
USGS volunteer Whitney DeLong and geology intern Alexandra Pickering collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner along Cuttings Wharf Road in Napa County, CA on August 26, 2014. In the background are engineers inspecting the earthquake surface rupture where is passes through a horse paddock.
USGS volunteer Whitney DeLong and geology intern Alexandra Pickering collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner along Cuttings Wharf Road in Napa County, CA on August 26, 2014. In the background are engineers inspecting the earthquake surface rupture where is passes through a horse paddock.
US Topo
US Topo is the next generation of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel (and perform) like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known.
US Topo is the next generation of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel (and perform) like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known.
PubTalk 11/2010 — Silicon, Software, and Science
Monitoring the Earth's Landscape with Low-Cost High-Tech
by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
Monitoring the Earth's Landscape with Low-Cost High-Tech
by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
Cartographers in the Field
This Depression-era oil painting was created by USGS field man Hal Shelton in 1940. The painting depicts mapping techniques used in the early days of cartography, including an alidade and stadia rod for determining distances and elevations and a plane-table for sketching contour lines. A USGS benchmark is visible near the top.
This Depression-era oil painting was created by USGS field man Hal Shelton in 1940. The painting depicts mapping techniques used in the early days of cartography, including an alidade and stadia rod for determining distances and elevations and a plane-table for sketching contour lines. A USGS benchmark is visible near the top.
PubTalk 11/2004 — From Plane Tables to Pixels
The Revolution in Mapping at the U.S. Geological Survey
by Susan P. Benjamin, Research Geographer
The Revolution in Mapping at the U.S. Geological Survey
by Susan P. Benjamin, Research Geographer
USGS Topographers at Work
USGS topographer with plane table and alidade in the Alabama Hills near Mt. Whitney, California.
USGS topographer with plane table and alidade in the Alabama Hills near Mt. Whitney, California.
USGS Topographer at Work
R.R. Monbeck on the rim of Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui
R.R. Monbeck on the rim of Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui
USGS Topographers
USGS topographic field party, circa 1925, with a Wye level on a tripod and two stadia rods.
USGS topographic field party, circa 1925, with a Wye level on a tripod and two stadia rods.
Related
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 get a full-scale plot of a USGS topographic map?
There are three ways to get full-scale plots of USGS topographic quadrangle maps, including H istorical Topographic maps (produced 1884-2006), U S Topo maps (produced 2009-present) or customized OnDemand Topos. Order a paper map from the USGS Store. Use the Store’s Map Locator to find the desired map.* Download a free map file and send it to a local printing business. USGS topographic maps are...
How are U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps named?
A USGS topographic map is usually named for the most prominent feature within the bounds of the map, frequently a community. Most topographic maps are named for the most centrally located, well-known, and/or largest community labeled on the map. If the community for which the map should be named falls on two or more maps, a directional term might be used such as East and West. An example is...
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
There are multiple copies of the same map in your Historical Topographic Map Collection that all have the same date. Is there a difference between those maps?
Two or more historical topographic maps with the same date typically result from revisions and reprints. The differences are often minor. The date used to identify a map is in the lower right corner. If there are multiple editions with the same compilation date, look for additional dates in the lower right portion of the map collar that might differentiate them: Date on Map -- The year of base...
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 current are US Topo maps?
US Topo maps are updated on a three-year production cycle (maps covering one third of the country are updated each year). The US Topo production schedule follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) collection schedule. This does not include US Topos for Alaska, which are on a different schedule. The linework features shown on the maps are generated...
Will US Topo maps become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection when a newer version is published?
Superseded US Topo maps will remain available for download, but will not become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection, which is scans of USGS topographic quadrangles originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006. The first US Topo maps were published in 2009. They are updated and superseded every 3 years (maps for one third of the country are produced every year). This does...
Do you offer teacher discounts for your maps and other cost products?
Yes. Educational institutions qualify for discounts on purchases made through the online USGS Store. To receive any discounts you must first be set up in their system. Please fax your request on school letterhead (or on a purchase order) to 303-202-4693 and include your Federal Tax ID number ( not to be confused with your Federal Tax Exempt Number). For questions, call 1-888-MAP-DEAL (1-888-627...
100K Topo map showing Grand Canyon National Park to Kaibab National Forest.
This is a close-up of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map (100K Topo) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZ NST) from the Kaibab Plateau at top to the Grand Canyon North Rim at bottom. The AZ NST is highlighted in red. This map shows contour lines, hydrography, landform names, land cover, federal lands, roads, and structures.
This is a close-up of a 1:100,000-scale topographic map (100K Topo) of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZ NST) from the Kaibab Plateau at top to the Grand Canyon North Rim at bottom. The AZ NST is highlighted in red. This map shows contour lines, hydrography, landform names, land cover, federal lands, roads, and structures.
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover screen capture example from Colorado map. All other data except for shaded relief has been removed from the background.
7.5 Minute OnDemandTopo Land Cover screen capture example from Colorado map. All other data except for shaded relief has been removed from the background.
Example of a 2022 US Topo
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
Example of a 2022 US Topo map. Quad is Morrison, Colorado. US Topo logo, bottom marginalia, and map content detail are shown. Please visit US Topo: Maps for America for full details.
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series released between 1884 and 2006.
Examples of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale historical USGS topographic map series released between 1884 and 2006.
Collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner
USGS volunteer Whitney DeLong and geology intern Alexandra Pickering collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner along Cuttings Wharf Road in Napa County, CA on August 26, 2014. In the background are engineers inspecting the earthquake surface rupture where is passes through a horse paddock.
USGS volunteer Whitney DeLong and geology intern Alexandra Pickering collecting topographic data with a three-dimensional laser scanner along Cuttings Wharf Road in Napa County, CA on August 26, 2014. In the background are engineers inspecting the earthquake surface rupture where is passes through a horse paddock.
US Topo
US Topo is the next generation of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel (and perform) like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known.
US Topo is the next generation of topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Arranged in the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel (and perform) like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known.
PubTalk 11/2010 — Silicon, Software, and Science
Monitoring the Earth's Landscape with Low-Cost High-Tech
by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
Monitoring the Earth's Landscape with Low-Cost High-Tech
by Rian Bogle, Remote Sensing Specialist
Cartographers in the Field
This Depression-era oil painting was created by USGS field man Hal Shelton in 1940. The painting depicts mapping techniques used in the early days of cartography, including an alidade and stadia rod for determining distances and elevations and a plane-table for sketching contour lines. A USGS benchmark is visible near the top.
This Depression-era oil painting was created by USGS field man Hal Shelton in 1940. The painting depicts mapping techniques used in the early days of cartography, including an alidade and stadia rod for determining distances and elevations and a plane-table for sketching contour lines. A USGS benchmark is visible near the top.
PubTalk 11/2004 — From Plane Tables to Pixels
The Revolution in Mapping at the U.S. Geological Survey
by Susan P. Benjamin, Research Geographer
The Revolution in Mapping at the U.S. Geological Survey
by Susan P. Benjamin, Research Geographer
USGS Topographers at Work
USGS topographer with plane table and alidade in the Alabama Hills near Mt. Whitney, California.
USGS topographer with plane table and alidade in the Alabama Hills near Mt. Whitney, California.
USGS Topographer at Work
R.R. Monbeck on the rim of Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui
R.R. Monbeck on the rim of Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui
USGS Topographers
USGS topographic field party, circa 1925, with a Wye level on a tripod and two stadia rods.
USGS topographic field party, circa 1925, with a Wye level on a tripod and two stadia rods.
Updated Date: September 16, 2024