topoBuilder

Jump to:  ONDEMAND TOPO MAP TYPES  |  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & RELATED CONTENT

Introduction to topoBuilder & OnDemand Topos

topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as OnDemand Topos, that utilize the best available data from The National Map. 

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

• Exclusive to topoBuilder is the ability to center maps anywhere* users choose. OnDemand Topo maps do not need to align with the traditional USGS map grids so one map can cover an area that may have previously required up to four maps.
• Users also have their choice of file format (georeferenced PDF or TIFF).
• The Edit Layers capability lets users select which National Map layers they would like to be included in their custom map product.
• Users then simply enter a valid email address and a direct link to download their unique map will be delivered free of charge. Maps are typically delivered within 24 hours but may take up to 5 business days.

OnDemand Topo contours and shaded relief are generated on the fly from the latest USGS elevation data, including high-quality lidar and IfSAR data acquired through the 3D Elevation Program. 

OnDemand Topo Map Types

There are currently two OnDemand Topo Map Types available: The 7.5-Minute Topo and the 100K Topo.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

7.5-Minute Topo

7.5-Minute Topos closely resemble historical 7.5-minute USGS map products as well as US Topo maps. 

• This large-scale map type provides a high level of detail over approximately 50 to 70 square miles per map and can be used for recreation and navigation (orienteering and geocaching), city planning, search and rescue, science studies such as geologic and geographic field work, and much more.
• In order to balance areal extent shown and printed product page size at varying locations on the Earth's surface, three scales are found within this map type:
  • 1:24,000 for the contiguous United States and Hawaii
  • 1:25,000 for Alaska
  • 1:20,000 for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• An additional customization is available for 7.5-Minute Topos: Contour smoothing. Users may choose the level of contour detail best suited for their unique map needs.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

100K Topo

100K Topos are 1:100,000-scale maps inspired by the 30- by 60-minute map series published by the USGS through the end of the 20th century.

• These medium-scale maps are designed to cover an area of approximately 1,500 to 2,200 square miles and are ideal for any application where information across a large area is needed.
• While 100K Topos contains less detail than the 7.5-Minute Topos, they still provide enough information for many traditional and recreational uses as well as some science and planning applications.
• 100K Topo maps also feature brand new land cover categories,  such as grassland and crop/pasture, in addition to woodland tint
• In order to support a consistent snapshot of 1:100,000-scale National Map data, content on 100K Topos may be less current than data appearing on a contemporary 7.5-Minute Topo map.

To learn more about map scales and how they differ in detail, content, and area coverage please visit the  USGS Map Scales publication. 

*OnDemand Topo maps are available anywhere within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

topoBuilder is accessible via desktop computer or mobile device. Questions and feedback are welcomed by The National Map Help Desk at tnm_help@usgs.gov.

Additional Resources