A new GIS-ready topographic map style template is now available from the USGS National Geospatial Program. The “Topo TNM Style Template” can be readily used with the Topo Map Vector Data products and other data available for download from The National Map (TNM). The template and TNM data are intended to be used together to quickly provide an advanced Geographic Information Systems user with a fully customizable map in the style of US Topo maps using the most current TNM data available.

Highlights of the Topo TNM Style Template:

• Mimics US Topo map design for symbology and labeling; 24,000-scale
• Includes data for tailoring to specific 7.5-minute cell
• Tailorable to any geographic location where data is available for download from TNM
• Customizable content, extent and design
• ArcMap Map Document format (v10.0)

Symbolized layers within the template can be linked to data downloaded from TNM and include layers from TNM vector data themes of:

• Transportation,
• Hydrography,
• Elevation Contours,
• Geographic Names,
• Governmental Units (Boundaries),
• Structures, and
• Woodland polygons.

Web Map Service layers in the template include orthoimagery and shaded relief services produced by the USGS, as well as a National Wetlands Inventory Web Map Service produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An ancillary file geodatabase, provided along with the template, contains a Military Grid Reference System feature class and a data table created by the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center containing 7.5-minute map cell names, UTM zones, and other information for use in tailoring the template to a specific 7.5-minute map. Instructional Documentation is available to help with tailoring the template.

This template may be used with any TNM data source available from the TNM Download Client and can easily be extended with data layers supported by ArcGIS according to end user needs. For best results in symbolization and labeling, it is recommended to be used with the Topo Map Vector Data products, and at scales between 1:18,000- and 1:36,000.

Topo Map Vector Data

The Topo Map Vector Data products are one specific type of staged product available from TNM. They are intended for a variety of GIS and cartographic applications. These products are staged at a 7.5-minute footprint to correspond with the US Topo map 7.5-minute extent. They contain feature classes from all TNM vector data themes, including Elevation Contours, Governmental Units (Boundaries), Woodland polygons, Structures, Transportation, Hydrography, TNM Derived Names, and 7.5-minute map cells.

TNM Derived Names

The National Map Derived Names dataset is a feature class derived from the Geographic Names Information System.  The GNIS is the official repository of domestic geographic names data; the official vehicle for geographic names use by all departments of the Federal Government; and the source for applying geographic names to Federal electronic and printed products of all types. TNM Derived Names is a filtered and enriched dataset intended specifically to be used in the Topo TNM Style Template for symbolizing and labeling named features. TNM Derived Names data are provided only in conjunction with Topo Map Vector Data products.

Topo TNM Style Template Disclaimer: Initial styling of this Map Template is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS does not endorse any products created from the template.

To keep current with The National Map downloadable products and map services, visit The National Map launch page.

Questions or feedback regarding any of these changes can be submitted to tnm_help@usgs.gov.

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