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Present | Future | Work Plan Map | Latest News About US Topo MapsThe PresentBuilding on the success of 125 years of USGS topographic mapping, the US Topo is a new kind of georeferenced map. It is an evolution of USGS paper topographic maps and a graphic synthesis of The National Map data files. US Topo maps are modeled on the prior, printed USGS topographic map series. Their digital packaging, especially the PDF geospatial extension (GeoPDF®), permits limited geographic information system (GIS) functionality, depending on the software used to display them. They are easily accessible with reasonable file sizes and a common format with available analytical tools and theme-based layers. US Topos include an orthoimage base, roads, geographic names, contours and hydrographic features. Ultimately, the US Topos will include layers for expanded transportation, boundaries, structure features, and vegetative surface cover or land cover in the customary USGS 7.5-minute by 7.5-minute quadrangle format. The quality and accuracy of any US Topo map depends on The National Map data used to make it. The file format is a PDF with geospatial extensions (GeoPDF®). US Topo users can read ground coordinates and measure distances using free, downloadable software or view and print the map as a PDF. The map files are available, at no cost, for digital download from the USGS Store. More information about computer and software requirements is available in the US Topo user guide. Draft "Digital Map–Beta" Product Standard The FutureThe USGS started production of US Topo maps in October 2009. Prior to that, the USGS produced and made available "Digital Maps–Beta." These earlier maps do not include contours and hydrographic features. “Digital Maps – Beta” are being replaced with US Topos in 2012. The US Topo production program follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) 3-year acquisition cycle so that the latest NAIP imagery will form the base layer of US Topo maps. As other data layers are integrated, they will be added to updated maps. High-resolution scanned files of all historical versions of USGS topographic maps also are being made available for free download.
Latest NewsMay 14, 2012
Records Set: USGS legacy topographic maps from the Historical Topographic Map Collection have set a record of more than 427,700 downloads during the month of April. This follows the completion of historical map coverage for the lower 48 states in a few weeks ago. The newest USGS topographic map, the US Topo, also set a personal best of nearly 174,000 downloads for the same period. Check out the mapping websites and see why they are becoming so popular. http://1.usa.gov/82461k, http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
CA, LA and MS US Topo’s Almost Complete: The release of US Topo maps for California is nearly complete, close to 93%. Louisiana has accelerated 98% and Mississippi is close, at 97% complete! More than 40 states containing more than 47,754 quadrangles are now partially or almost totally covered by the new USGS digital electronic topographic map, the US Topo. The program is now replacing the former "Digital Map-Beta" maps with revised US Topo maps. Free download from the USGS Store. Complete listing. Is your state covered? http://1.usa.gov/lvbSol
Tweet us! The National Map Twitter site has steadily increased to more than 950 followers in less than one year. Let’s make it to 1,000 @USGSTNM. Sign up today and join in the conversation!
Elevation Study Results: The USGS completed a National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) in December 2011. The assessment was the most comprehensive investigation of options for improving the availability and quality of national elevation data. Research participants included 34 federal agencies, 50 states, and selected local governments and tribes, as well as private and not-for-profit organizations. The study and other resources will be available through a NEEA website (coming soon!). In the interim, the full report from Dewberry can be found at: http://bit.ly/JNlGcj
Geospatial Technology Workshop: The USGS will be offering a workshop titled "Introduction to Geospatial Semantics and Technology" preceding the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science Symposium on May 29, 2012 in Washington D.C. The Workshop is an introductory tutorial on geospatial semantics with hands-on exercises using standard Web browsers. The workshop is divided into two major sections: general semantics on the Web, and specific examples of geospatial semantics using data from The National Map of the USGS. The general section will include information and access to publicly available semantic archives. The specific session will include information on geospatial semantics with access to semantically enhanced data for hydrography, transportation, boundaries, names, and land cover. Details: http://www.ucgis.org/Events/moreinfo.asp?ID=304
US Topo Update: Production and release of the US Topo started in October 2009. The US Topo is an enhancement of the previous "Digital Map–Beta" product, with the addition on the hydrography and contour layers. The new mapping product was formally introduced at the "125th Anniversary of Topographic Mapping" Celebration on December 3, 2009. The National Geospatial Technical Operations Center reports the following:
*Current "Digital Map - Beta" maps that are being updated to US Topo specifications Note: As of October 25, 2010, the percentage of US Topos complete and total quadrangles loaded will include U.S. Forest Service lands.
Digital Map–Beta Update: In a little less than 3 years since the release of the "Digital Map–Beta" web site, the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center can report the following:
Note: Forest Service quads in the above states are currently not included, which often gives a "missing quad" look. The USGS is working with the Forest Service so that maps made in 2010 and beyond will include lands administered by USFS. The "Digital Map–Beta" is the initial electronic digital map. With the integration of the hydrography and contour layers, the maps produced after October 2009, and starting with Kansas, will be classified as US Topo. 
Alaska Mapping Interview: Mark DeMulder, Director of the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) was interviewed by KNTA Radio out of Talkeetna, Alaska about the new and ambitious USGS initiative to update and upgrade the topographic maps of the Alaskan region. The interactive discussion covers the history of mapping Alaska, the new US Topo digital map project, new cartographic technologies and proposed plans for the Alaskan Mapping Initiative. Interview and sound bites: http://bit.ly/HVcy4R
Border Elevation Improved: Updated elevation data along the U.S. and Canadian border have been added to the National Elevation Dataset (NED) layer as result of collaboration between U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). Scientist from NRCAN Centre for Topographic Information and the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center improved the topographic information along the international border by making the U.S. and Canada elevation data seamless in the 1-arc-second NED. These data will complete the watersheds originating in the U.S. and fill a small void that existed between the two elevation datasets. The new Canada elevation data, as well as the latest elevation data for the contiguous U.S. added to the NED can be viewed at NED Release Notes for April. The next release of the NED, due in June, 2012, will include Canada elevation along the border of Alaska
CONUS Complete: The USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection is celebrating a major milestone, as the lower 48 states, spanning in excess of 130 years, are now available for free download from the Collection website. This Collection features well over 161,000 USGS legacy topographic maps in a digital format. Since September, more than 1.2 million maps have been downloaded from the Map Locator – an average of more than 5,700 maps per day! News Release
USGS Scientist Receives "High" Water Award: USGS cartographer Jeff Simley, the product lead for the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) received the Maidment Award at this year’s American Water Resources Association (AWRA) GIS specialty conference for water resources in New Orleans. The prestigious award acknowledges his contributions to the water resources field as a key player in establishing a Stewardship program that partners many federal, state, and local agencies all with a common goal to improve and maintain a hydrography GIS layer for the nation. http://nhd.usgs.gov/
The Last Piece of the Puzzle - USGS Historical Maps: A summary of the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, its status and relevance to many diverse audiences has been published as a "Top Story" on the USGS main website. The article outlines the goals of the Historical Collection program and a short history of The National Program for Topographic Mapping, which was established in 1884. Also, it reviews map changes over time, including scales and symbology. Article link.
Florida Historical Maps added, one state left: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Florida has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. The addition of these quadrangles brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to nearly 164,000, with only one more state left to completing coverage for the lower 48 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
NHD/WBD in the Big Easy: The USGS will be hosting the 4th bi-annual National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)/ Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) Stewardship Conference in New Orleans, March 29-30, 2012. The conference is in conjunction with the American Water Resources Association's 2012 Spring Specialty Conference on Geographic Information Systems and Water Resources. The NHD is the surface water component of The National Map to be used in general mapping and in the analysis of surface-water systems by geographic information systems (GIS). Conference agenda: http://bit.ly/zNXixX
Wyoming Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Wyoming has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. The addition of these quadrangles brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 154,000, covering 48 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Missouri/Illinois Quads Featured: The US Topo and Historical Topographic Map Collection websites have added an interactive map application to their home pages. The flash thumbnails of original maps display all available versions of the featured state quadrangles in an animated format. The display allows the user to view the maps in chronological order, access larger versions and the map and go directly to the download services. The third showcased series is six topographic maps of the Columbia Bottoms area, straddling Missouri and Illinois - ranging from 1927 to the present. http://1.usa.gov/82461k, http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Rhode Island and South Dakota Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Rhode Island and South Dakota have been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. The addition of these quadrangles brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 149,800, covering 47 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
ASPRS Fellow Award: Kari Craun, Director of the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) has been named as one of two 2012 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Fellow Award winners. The ASPRS hilghly selective designation of Fellow is awarded to active Society members who have performed exceptional service in advancing geospatial science and use of the mapping sciences. News release: http://bit.ly/zW7xXg
USGS at Esri FedUC: The USGS played a prominent role at the 2012 Esri Federal Users Conference in Washington, DC this past week. The USGS sponsored two exhibits featuring new and improved geospatial products and services from the National Geospatial Program and the National Atlas ®. Also, the USGS was involved in several presentations and technical sessions throughout the Conference. http://bit.ly/qgNZJs
Arizona Quad Featured: The US Topo and Historical Topographic Map Collection websites are now displaying the Phantom Ranch topographic quadrangle on their flash application. The maps cover the a series to quadrangles from 1967 to the present. ? http://1.usa.gov/lvbSol, http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
CEGIS Researcher Honored: Kristina Yamamoto, a student geographer with the USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS) is featured this month in the "Students at USGS" on the USGS main website. As part of her experience with the National Geospatial Program (NGP), she is conducting remote sensing research, including soil moisture and LiDAR projects. She is also PhD candidate at the University of Denver in the geography department, with her dissertation topic covering sea turtle nesting beach characteristics in southern Florida.
Vermont Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Vermont has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 147,300, covering 45 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Mississippi Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Mississippi has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 147,300, covering 45 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Louisiana Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Louisiana has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 147,300, covering 40 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Geospatial Websites Upgraded: The US Topo and Historical Topographic Map Collection websites have added an interactive map application to their home pages. The flash thumbnails of original maps display all available versions of the featured series in an animated format. The display allows the user to view the maps in chronological order, access larger versions of the map and go directly to the download services. The second showcased series is six topographic maps of the Phantom Range, Arizona quadrangle (part of the Grand Canyon) - ranging from 1962 to the present. http://1.usa.gov/82461k, http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
New NHD Tools: The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) contains detailed geospatial information about the Nation's surface water. Ensuring the accuracy of these data is an ongoing task as the landscape changes and users demand greater accuracy. To better support and grow the NHD stewardship program, the USGS has reinvented both the process and tools involved in maintaining the NHD. More information: http://bit.ly/dZZZ33
Missouri and New Hampshire Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Missouri and New Hampshire have been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. The addition of these quadrangles brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 141,000 , covering 41 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Connecticut Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Connecticut has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 149,190, covering 39 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Trail Running, Kiwi-Style: NGTOC employee Paul Jurasin recently celebrated his 50th birthday in a rather unique fashion. His story can be found at: http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=24699
Nebraska Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Nebraska has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to more than 132,200, covering 38 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
Geospatial Websites Upgraded: The US Topo and Historical Topographic Map Collection websites have added an interactive map application to their home pages. Thumbnail images of actual maps display all available versions of the featured series in an animated format. The display allows the user to view the maps in chronological order, view larger versions of each map, and an option to download the full-resolution version directly. This first showcase features six topographic maps from the Boothbay, Maine area - ranging from 1893 to the present.
Historical Map Video: The USGS has released the "Historical Topographic Map Collection-Distribution of USGS Maps- Old and New" video presentation. It features team lead Greg Allord at the recent International Map Trade Association (IMTA) Conference. The video covers the project history, goals, updates and examples.
US Topo Moving Forward: Nevada has started and Missouri is continuing! More than 36 states containing more than 41,000 quadrangles are now partially or almost totally covered by the new USGS digital electronic topographic map, the US Topo. The program is now replacing the former "Digital Map-Beta" maps with US Topo maps. Free download from the USGS Store. Complete listing. Is your state covered? http://1.usa.gov/lvbSol
New Heights of Accuracy for World Topography: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) have collaborated in the development of a much improved global elevation model, the Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010). GMTED2010 replaces the widely used, 15-year-old GTOPO30 terrain model as the best available global digital elevation model. All of the GMTED2010 data products are publicly available online with no redistribution restrictions. http://on.doi.gov/v0sreR
Arizona Historical Maps added: The complete series of USGS Historical Topographic Maps for Arizona has been loaded for free download from the USGS Store Map Locator. That brings the total number of historical, legacy topographic maps to nearly 130,000, covering 37 states. The historical maps are available in a GeoPDF format and can be searched by state name, scale or map name. The goal of the Historical Topographic Map Collection is to scan all scales and all editions of the more than 200,000 topographic maps published by the USGS since the inception of the topographic mapping program in 1884. http://1.usa.gov/oSPTDv
USGS Geospatial Data Contract Website: The National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) has linked a new Geospatial Data Contract website to The National Map website. The Geospatial Product and Service Contracts (GPSC) is a suite of contracts, broad in scope, that can accommodate activities related to standard, nonstandard, graphic, and digital cartographic products. Services provided may include: photogrammetric mapping and aerotriangulation; orthophotography; thematic mapping (for example, land characterization); digital imagery applications; IFSAR and LiDAR; geographic information systems development; surveying and control acquisition, including ground-based and airborne GPS; and much more.
Historical Maps Now Covering 36 States: The release of more than 13,688 historical topographic maps covering California highlights the rapid pace of the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Nearly 124,000 high resolution scans of historical USGS maps, some dating as far back as 1884, are now available online for free from the USGS Store. The electronic maps are georeferenced and can be used in conjunction with the new USGS digital topographic map, the US Topo.
FGDC Launches New Geospatial Website: The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), in conjunction with several geospatial partners has released a prototype Geospatial Platform website providing an initial view of the future of user-friendly, integrated, federal data collections on common geographic maps. Through the website, users can create their own maps by combining their data with public domain data and can collaborate in public and private groups with others who share their interests. Maps assembled through the Geospatial Platform can be shared with others through web browsers and mobile technologies. All of this is possible without requiring users to install software on their own computers. News Release.
Volunteer Geographic Information: Since 1994, citizen volunteers have helped the USGS improve its topographic maps. A new fact sheet has been released to explain the current status of volunteer map data collection, pilot projects and the possible future of The National Map Corps.
Historical Topographic Map Collection Update – over half way: More than 102,300high resolution scans of the more than 200,000 historical USGS topographic maps, some dating as far back as 1884, are now available online. The Historical Topographic Map Collection includes published U.S. maps of all scales and editions, and are offered as a georeferenced digital download or as a scanned print from the USGS Store.
There's A (M)app For That: Topographic maps from the USGS are now available as an app for Apple iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The new app, called PDF Maps, has been released though the iTunes App Store and allows free download of any available US Topo or USGS Historical maps from the USGS Store or Map Locator tool.
US Topo – Exceeding Goals: The US Topo crested an important milestone as the staff exceeded the ambitions goal of producing 18,500 digital quadrangles in one year. This brings the total of US Topos available for no-cost download to more than 36,200 maps covering 33 states. Recently, the program has started to replace the former "Digital Map Beta" prototypes with US Topo maps and have included a land cover layer. Also, the US Topo website has been updated to reflect significant product additions.
Geospatial Summit and Radio Interview: Mark DeMulder, the Director of the National Geospatial Program gave a keynote presentation on "Mapping the Future" at the inaugural Geospatial Summit, September13 in Herndon, VA. Prior to the Summit, he was featured in a radio interview on Federal News Radio. 
NGP Standards: Standards and specifications are essential to facilitate the development and sharing of geospatial data and products. The USGS standards and specifications that define the requirements to ensure that all products and data prepared by the USGS under the National Geospatial Program are consistent in accuracy, structure, format, style, and content can now be found on The National Map website.
Bridging the Gap – The National Map Now Serving Complete Data for the US-Canadian Border: Since 2007 the USGS has partnered with the International Joint Commission of Canada and the U.S. (IJC) to extend National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and WBD interpretations into Canada. This effort involves complex negotiations between State, Provincial and Federal agencies, resulting in the ability for users of the National Map to view, download and use Hydrologic Units and Hydrographic layers that were previously limited to the International Boundary. Identical interpretations are currently available on Natural Resources Canada's data portal GeoBase.
The National Map Corps Update: The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) sponsored volunteer map data collection projects for 20+ years. Citizen mappers revised many maps, but the program was suspended in 2008 due to funding.
New technologies and social media have made volunteered geographic information (VGI) a possibility.
As a result, the USGS has launched a pilot project to explore the future citizen participation. http://1.usa.gov/pkNgfi
Emergency Response Fact Sheet: The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) has released a new fact sheet listing the most popular web based resources for emergency responders and others to get timely and relevant information concerning earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires, terrorist attacks and accidental oil spills. http://on.doi.gov/iEmVfo
New Website Face: An updated version of The National Map website (nationalmap.gov) was rolled out in conjunction with The National Map Users Conference. The new home page includes an user-specified map selection menu, easier to read navigation tabs, a search box, refined news section and a real-time Twitter feed. Check it out – comments welcome!
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Page Last Modified: Monday, 17-Oct-2011 18:16:28 EDT
