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.
Why don’t the boundaries on US Topo maps match and why are some missing?
Improving boundaries for USGS topographic maps is an ongoing effort. Boundaries have been added to computer-generated US Topo maps (published 2009-present) as digital versions become available:
- 2009-2010 – The U.S. national boundary was the only boundary shown.
- 2011 – State and county boundaries added using TIGER/Line data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
- 2011 – U.S. Forest Service areas added.
- 2013 – National Park Service lands, Fish and Wildlife Service lands, and military reservations added.
- 2013 – Bureau of Land Management boundaries added ONLY to US Topos in Alaska.
- 2015-2016 – National Cemetery Administration boundaries added.
Unlike hand-drawn Historical USGS Topographic Maps (published 1884-2006), boundaries on computer-generated US Topo and OnDemand Topo maps don't always align perfectly when boundary lines from several sources are combined. Where boundaries differ significantly between agencies, those agencies will collaborate to reconcile them.
USGS topographic maps are general reference publications and can’t be used as legally authoritative sources for boundary information or litigation.
Related
How can I submit a question or report issues regarding The National Map products and services?
What download formats are available for boundaries, structures, and transportation data products in The National Map?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
I found an error on a map. How can I report it and when will you fix it?
Are US Topo products available for Alaska?
How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement?
How can I find the source and vintage of each US Topo data layer?
Why are there no power lines, pipelines, libraries, trails, etc. on US Topo maps?
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.

An anti-vehicle barricade has been constructed across this section of the international boundary. Grass cover has increased in the foreground, providing evidence of the site’s grassland connection. (Raymond M. Turner)
An anti-vehicle barricade has been constructed across this section of the international boundary. Grass cover has increased in the foreground, providing evidence of the site’s grassland connection. (Raymond M. Turner)

During the past century, the grassland has continued to become more shrubby with increases in such plants as broom snakeweed and velvet mesquite. The mesquite, occurring here near the upper limits of its range, has remained short, probably as the result of catastrophic freezes that have visited the area. Bush muhly is found beneath some of the mesquites.
During the past century, the grassland has continued to become more shrubby with increases in such plants as broom snakeweed and velvet mesquite. The mesquite, occurring here near the upper limits of its range, has remained short, probably as the result of catastrophic freezes that have visited the area. Bush muhly is found beneath some of the mesquites.

US Topo Product Standard
US Topo—Topographic maps for the Nation
Boundaries of the United States and the several States
Related
How can I submit a question or report issues regarding The National Map products and services?
What download formats are available for boundaries, structures, and transportation data products in The National Map?
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
I found an error on a map. How can I report it and when will you fix it?
Are US Topo products available for Alaska?
How accurate are US Topo maps, and why don't they have an accuracy statement?
How can I find the source and vintage of each US Topo data layer?
Why are there no power lines, pipelines, libraries, trails, etc. on US Topo maps?
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.

An anti-vehicle barricade has been constructed across this section of the international boundary. Grass cover has increased in the foreground, providing evidence of the site’s grassland connection. (Raymond M. Turner)
An anti-vehicle barricade has been constructed across this section of the international boundary. Grass cover has increased in the foreground, providing evidence of the site’s grassland connection. (Raymond M. Turner)

During the past century, the grassland has continued to become more shrubby with increases in such plants as broom snakeweed and velvet mesquite. The mesquite, occurring here near the upper limits of its range, has remained short, probably as the result of catastrophic freezes that have visited the area. Bush muhly is found beneath some of the mesquites.
During the past century, the grassland has continued to become more shrubby with increases in such plants as broom snakeweed and velvet mesquite. The mesquite, occurring here near the upper limits of its range, has remained short, probably as the result of catastrophic freezes that have visited the area. Bush muhly is found beneath some of the mesquites.
