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USGS Resources for Working with Topographic Maps

Downloading and Purchasing USGS Topographic Maps

Download free digital topographic maps in a GeoPDF format by going to the USGS Store and clicking on "Map Locator". These are high-resolution scans (400 ppi to 508 ppi) of existing paper maps. Free digital historical topographic (all scales, all editions) maps are currently being added to the USGS Store's Map Locator.

Download the next generation USGS Topo digital topographic maps from the same site (go to the USGS Store and click on "Map Locator"). US Topo maps will be available for all 50 states by the end of 2012. These maps will be updated every 3 years.

Paper versions of all the above topographic maps (traditional and US Topo) can be ordered through the same Map Locator site at the USGS Store.

To browse popular thematic maps, go to the USGS Store and click on "Education Products"

Questions? Need help? Call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) or submit your question online.

What's New?

• USGS Topo -- A New Generation of Maps
  
• Scanning and Georeferencing Historical USGS Quadrangles
• Historical Topographic Map Collection

History

• Topographic Mapping (historical reference)
  
• A 125 Year History of Topographic Mapping and GIS in the U.S. Geological Survey
• History of the [USGS] Topographic Branch
• Historical Mapping Photographs

Interpreting Topographic Maps

• All about USGS Topographic Maps
  
• Topographic Map Symbols
• Map Scales
• Topographic Map Margins for Educators
• Map Margins (convenient, abbreviated version of the above)
• Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Features
• Geographic Names
• Elevations and Distances in the United States

Coordinates, Datums, and Projections

• Using Topographic Maps to Teach Coordinate Systems
• Latitude and Longitude
• UTM Coordinates
• State Plane Coordinate System
• Public Land Survey System
• Principal Meridians and Base Lines
• Datum Shifts and Map Coordinate Displays
• Map Projections Poster (order a free hard copy from the USGS Store)
• Map Projections Article
• Map Projections: A Working Manual (companion Plate 1)

Using Topographic Maps

• Finding Your Way with a Map and Compass
• How To Use a Compass with a USGS Topographic Map
• Magnetic Declination
• Animation of Changes in Magnetic Declination over Time

Lessons and Activities

• 27 Ideas for Teaching with Topographic Maps
• Topo Salad Tray Model: a 3-D Classroom Project
• Map Mysteries
• Corn Maze Geography
• Map Adventures (Grades K-3)
• What Do Maps Show? (Grades 5-8)
• Exploring Maps (Grades 7-12)
• Topographic Map Margin Information for Educators
• Teaching About and Using Coordinate Systems