This information is subject to change, please check current U.S.G.S. website
The U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) is the nation’s premier civilian mapping agency. For over a century, U.S.G.S. topographic maps, particularly the famed 7.5-minute quadrangles, have been the gold standard for hikers. Engineers and historians also rely on them. They are used by anyone needing a detailed view of the American landscape. Today, obtaining these maps has evolved from mail-order. Now, there is an array of digital and print-on-demand services. These services are primarily housed under The National Map umbrella.
You are searching for a historical map of your hometown. You need the latest digital elevation model for a GIS project. The U.S.G.S. has a portal for you. They even have one if you’re looking for a printed paper map for your next backcountry trek. This guide will walk you through the modern landscape of U.S.G.S map access. It ensures you know exactly where to click to find and acquire the cartographic product you need.
The Digital Revolution: US Topo and The National Map
The biggest change in USGS map distribution came in 2009. That year marked the transition from the old Historical Topographic Maps (HTM). These maps were hand-drawn and manually edited. The switch was to the new, computer-generated US Topo maps. This shift has resulted in nearly all U.S.G.S. map products becoming available digitally for free.
Understanding the Three Types of U.S.G.S. Maps
Before you start searching, it helps to know the three main map categories:
- Historical Topographic Maps (HTM): These are the classic, hand-drawn maps published between 1884 and 2006. They are invaluable for historical research, understanding land-use change, or simply appreciating vintage cartography. They have all been scanned and georeferenced.
- US Topo Maps: These are the modern, computer-generated versions, produced from 2009 to the current. They use current national datasets from The National Map (TNM) and are updated on a regular cycle. They come in a GeoPDF format. This format lets you toggle data layers on and off. It also lets you use basic GIS functions like coordinate display.
- OnDemand Topos: These are customized topographic maps created using the topoBuilder application. They resemble a US Topo. Nonetheless, they offer the exclusive feature of being center-cut wherever you choose. This is instead of conforming to the standard quadrangle boundary. They use the best available data from The National Map at the time of the request. The maps are delivered digitally for free.
Where to Download Digital U.S.G.S. Maps (Free!)
The U.S.G.S maintains several powerful, yet distinct, web applications for accessing its vast digital archives. Knowing which one to use will save you considerable time.
1. topoView: The Archival Treasure Trove
Use this if: You want to browse and download Historical Topographic Maps (HTM) from different years. You might also need a quick way to find the latest US Topo.
- What it offers: The largest selection of digital options. This includes all dates and scales of both historical and current topographic maps. It is the go-to source for the entire Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC).
- How it works: You navigate a world map. You select a quadrangle. A list of all available map editions for that area will appear. These editions span different years. Downloads are available in formats like GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ.
2. The National Map Download Client
Use this if: You are a GIS professional. You need specific geospatial data layers. You want to download a bulk order of map data.
- What it offers: This tool provides access to digital topographic maps of all dates and scales. These maps include both HTM and US Topo. It also provides the individual, foundational geospatial data layers like elevation, hydrography, structures, and transportation. These layers constitute The National Map.
- How it works: You define your area of interest and select the specific datasets you want to download. This focuses less on finding a pre-made map. It is more about acquiring the raw, nationally consistent data to build your own.
3. topoBuilder: For Custom Map Creation
Use this if: You need a modern, U.S.G.S,-style map. It should be centered on a specific point of your choosing, like your house or a trailhead. You also want to select which map layers are included.
- What it offers: A service for requesting OnDemand Topos. The final map is delivered digitally in a layered PDF format. Delivery usually occurs within 24 hours, though sometimes it can take up to five business days. It provides the newest data available from The National Map.
- How it works: You use the application to select a point on the map, choose your scale, and check the boxes for the layers (hydrography, roads, boundaries, etc.) you want included in your custom-generated map.
4. Map Locator in the U.S.G.S. Store
Use this if: You are looking for a current US Topo or a map from the historical collection. The maps can be from before 2009. These are available for either download or purchase.
- What it offers: It provides a way to locate digital maps for download, including Historical Topo maps. It also serves as the main portal for ordering printed maps. It is the bridge between the free digital archive and the paid print service.
How to Order Printed Paper Maps ️
While digital is the primary format, many cartophiles, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals still rely on a durable paper map. The USGS has streamlined this process to a single, official location.
The U.S.G.S. Store: The Only Source for Printed Maps
The online USGS Store is the only official site for ordering paper copies of USGS topographic maps.
Step-by-Step Ordering Process:
- Go to the USGS Store and use the Map Locator or Search function. Use the “Find a Map” search feature or the Map Locator tool on the store homepage. You can search by map name, quadrangle name, address, or navigate the interactive map.
- Select Your Map Type: The Store provides print-on-demand for:
- Historical Topographic Maps (1884–2006): These maps are printed from the scanned files of the original documents.
- US Topo Maps (2009–Present): These are printed from the modern digital files.
- Note: Customized OnDemand Topos (created via topoBuilder) are not available for purchase through the USGS Store.
- Add to Cart and Purchase: First, locate the map in the Map Locator. Then, confirm the edition/date you want. You can add the print copy to your cart. Then, complete your purchase.
Alternative Print Options
Since nearly all USGS maps are in the public domain (with minor exceptions for certain data layers in US Topo maps published between 2010 and 2016), you have other options for getting a physical copy:
- Print at a Professional Shop: Download the free GeoPDF file. Take it to a local print shop with a large-format plotter. For best quality, use the PDF format (400 or 600 DPI). For true-to-scale results, ensure the print settings are set to 100% scale without resizing to fit the page.
- Print at Home: You can print the map on a standard home printer. It is often printed as a multiple-page mosaic. Then, you piece the sections together.
The National Map: More Than Just Topo Maps
The National Map (TNM) is the backbone of all modern U.S.G.S. geospatial products. It’s an online suite of applications and data services that provides access to the country’s most authoritative geospatial information. It directly supports US Topo and OnDemand Topo maps. It also provides access to the individual base-layer data that drives these maps.
The eight primary data layers of The National Map include:
- Elevation (from the 3D Elevation Program, 3DEP)
- Hydrography (National Hydrography Dataset, NHD)
- Geographic Names (Geographic Names Information System, GNIS)
- Land Cover
- Boundaries
- Transportation
- Structures
- Orthoimagery (Aerial and Satellite Imagery)
The National Map Viewer and EarthExplorer
- The National Map Viewer: This application is for viewing, visualizing, and creating your own web maps. You can combine different data layers (like elevation and boundaries) to create a custom view. Crucially, you cannot download the raw data layers directly from the Viewer—it is for visualization only. To download the data, you must use The National Map Download Client.
- EarthExplorer: This powerful interface is your portal for downloading free satellite and aerial imagery. It also provides other data products like the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from the 3DEP program. If your project requires high-resolution imagery or elevation data, this is the tool to use.
Conclusion: A Golden Age for Cartography
The U.S.G.S. has embraced the digital age, transforming its century-old map collection into an accessible, versatile, and largely free resource. You can download historical maps for nostalgia. Alternatively, you have access to modern, layered GeoPDFs for professional use. Additionally, the option to custom-print the map of your choice makes map access more democratic than ever.
When you explore the remote wilderness with a printed copy, the information you need is just a few clicks away. You can perform complex spatial analysis with the digital layers of The National Map as well. Get exploring!