Digital Topographic Maps - Instructions for Download
To download a GeoPDF-formatted USGS topographic map, follow these easy steps:
- Go to: http://store.usgs.gov. (See link on Education Homepage.)
- Once there, click on "Map Locator" in the menu on the left side of the screen.
- A new page appears.
- In the text box, enter the quadrangle name and 2-letter state abbreviation (ex: Golden, CO) and click GO. Alternatively, follow the instructions on the right to mark a point on the map with a red balloon. Once a red balloon has been placed, click on it to see a list of download options (24,000 - 100,000 - 250,000 scale maps will be offered). The data will transfer as a zipped file, so run WINZIP to decompress it.
- You may view the map with the freeware Adobe Reader.
- Click on the GeoPDF Toolbar symbol at the bottom of the page to download a freeware viewer with additional functionality (georeferencing, ability to zoom to a specified coordinate, interface with a GPS receiver, perform length and area calculations, etc.).
Note: you can also order hardcopy versions of the map—you’ll see the button next to the "Download" prompt.
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey