Guides: Maps: Topographic Maps

About Topographic Maps

Definition

Topographic maps (often referred to as "topo" maps) use elevation contour lines to show the shape and steepness of the Earth's surface. They also may indicate other geographic features, such as roads, railroads, rivers, streams, lakes, mountains, boundaries, and place or feature names.

7.5 Minute Topo Maps

The United States Geological Survey began mapping the country in 1879 and has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States ever since. The best known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also known as 7.5-minute quadrangles. In addition to elevation, they show such features as streets, buildings, streams, and woods. This is the only uniform map series that covers the entire area of the United States in considerable detail.

The National Map

The 7.5-minute map series was officially completed in 1992, and in 2001 the program was replaced by The National Map, which is a nationwide collection of integrated data from local, State, Federal, and other sources.

Learn More about Topographic Maps

The following resources recount the history of topographic maps, explain how to read a topographic map, describe the process of creating topographic maps, and more.

Topographic Map Symbols
A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. This brochure is a guide to interpreting the the colored lines, areas, and other often arcane imagery that may be found on a topographic map.
Topographic Mapping
Describes the topographic map, its use, its history, its production, and—in light of new technology and the digital mapping revolution—its potential. [Only for historical reference.}

Obtaining Paper Topographic Maps

Topographic Maps at UNT

The UNT Libraries' government publications collection has 7.5-minute topographic maps in hardcopy for most of Texas, as well as for Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico. If you would like to see a topographic map for a particular area, ask for assistance at the Sycamore Library Service Desk. Be aware that since most of these maps are in our Remote Storage facility, they may take a few days to obtain.

Topographic Maps from USGS

All dates and scales of topographic maps can be downloaded for free from the USGS website, and paper prints of topographic maps, including customized maps, may be requested for a fee. For instructions, see How do I find, download, or order topographic maps? at the USGS website.

Map Locator
Search USGS topographic maps by address, place, or map name, and download the entire map in digital format or purchase a printed map.
USGS Store
Price lists, order forms, and other information for finding and ordering USGS maps.

Topographic Maps from Other Sources

Many Federal Depository Libraries can provide access to paper topographic maps.

These non-governmental sources also sell paper copies of topographic maps:

MyTopo Map Store
Purchase current and historical USGS topo maps and aerial/satellite photographs custom centered on any place in the US or Canada.

Viewing Topographic Maps Online

Map Locator
Search USGS topographic maps by address, place, or map name, and download the entire map in digital format or purchase a printed map.
Microsoft Research Maps (MRM) — Formerly TerraServer
The Microsoft Research Maps (formerly TerraServer-USA) Web site is one of the world's largest online databases, providing free public access to a vast data store of maps and aerial photographs of the United States. MRS Maps is designed to work with commonly available computer systems and Web browsers over slow speed communications links.
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a specially modified radar system that flew onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during an 11-day mission in February of 2000, obtained elevation data on a near-global scale to generate the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of Earth.
TopoZone: Free USGS Topo Maps for the Entire United States
TopoZone was one of the first topographic mapping site on the web, providing visitors with free viewing and printing of the full set of United States Geological Survey topographic maps covering the entire United States.
US Topo: Maps for America
US Topo maps are produced by the National Geospatial Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). First launched in 2009, US Topos combine the familiar look and feel of legacy paper USGS topographic maps with technological advances of the 21st century. US Topo map data are derived from the geographic information system (GIS) data of The National Map and are continuously updated via national, state, local, and commercial partnerships. Current and historic USGS topographic maps are available for immediate download from The National Map Downloader. Please note that not all features on historical USGS topographic maps appear on US Topos.