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Present | Future | Status Graphic | 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, representing an evolution of USGS paper topographic maps and a graphic synthesis of The National Map data files. While not a full-fledged Geographic Information System (GIS), US Topo maps are quite different from other available imagery or maps. They are easily accessible with reasonable file sizes and a common format with embedded analytical tools and theme-based layers. US Topos include an aerial image 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 an individual US Topo map depends on The National Map data used to make it. The file format is a georereferenced GeoPDF®. US Topo users can interact with map features using free PC-compatible software. The map files are available, at no cost, for digital download from the USGS Store. Draft Standard: US Topo - Version 0.5.10 (November 2009) Draft Standard: "Digital Map - Beta" - Version 0.0.25 (July 2009) The FutureThe USGS started production of the enhanced US Topo map in October 2009. The USGS will follow 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. After 3 or 4 years all of the data within The National Map will be shown. In the near future, high-resolution scanned files of all historical versions of the new topographic maps also will be available for free download. US Topo and "Digital Map–Beta," made to date do not include the 7.5-minute quadrangles containing U. S. Forest Service (USFS) lands. These maps are provided by USFS and can be obtained on request as free downloads at the USGS Store, or as paper copies for a fee, by using the USGS-Store-Map-Locator and selecting USDA Forest Service Products.
Latest NewsSeptember 7, 2010 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:
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. Mark DeMulder Presentation at the ESRI User's Conference Mark DeMulder, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Geospatial Program (NGP) gives a briefing at the USGS All-Hands meeting during the ESRI UC on July 14, 2010. The presentation includes:
Full length video: http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/288 |
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U.S. Geological Survey
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