topoBuilder

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Introduction to topoBuilder & OnDemand Topos

topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as OnDemand Topos, that utilize the best available data from The National Map. 

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Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

• Exclusive to topoBuilder is the ability to center maps anywhere* users choose. OnDemand Topo maps do not need to align with the traditional USGS map grids so one map can cover an area that may have previously required up to four maps.
• Users also have their choice of file format (georeferenced PDF or TIFF).
• The Edit Layers capability lets users select which National Map layers they would like to be included in their custom map product.
• Users then simply enter a valid email address and a direct link to download their unique map will be delivered free of charge. Maps are typically delivered within 24 hours but may take up to 5 business days.

OnDemand Topo contours and shaded relief are generated on the fly from the latest USGS elevation data, including high-quality lidar and IfSAR data acquired through the 3D Elevation Program. 

OnDemand Topo Map Types

There are currently four OnDemand Topo Map Types available: The 7.5-Minute Topo, the 25K Recreational Topo, the 100K Topo, and the 250K Topo.

7.5-Minute Topo

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7.5-Minute Topos closely resemble historical 7.5-minute USGS map products as well as US Topo maps. 

• This large-scale map type provides a high level of detail over approximately 50 to 70 square miles per map and can be used for recreation and navigation (orienteering and geocaching), city planning, search and rescue, science studies such as geologic and geographic field work, and much more.
• In order to balance areal extent shown and printed product page size at varying locations on the Earth's surface, three scales are found within this map type:
  • 1:24,000 for the contiguous United States and Hawaii
  • 1:25,000 for Alaska
  • 1:20,000 for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
• An additional customization is available for 7.5-Minute Topos: Contour smoothing. Users may choose the level of contour detail best suited for their unique map needs.

25K Recreational Topo

Media

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

25K Recreational Topos are 1:25,000-scale USGS topographic maps highlighting recreational content available from The National Map.

• Similar to the 7.5-Minute Topo, this large-scale map provides a high level of detail over approximately 50 to 70 square miles per map.  
• New layout with expanded legend and nationally-consistent scale improve ease of use and provide a more uniform experience from map to map.
• Symbology and labeling has been highly tailored so users can more easily distinguish recreational features, such as federal land boundaries, trailheads & trails, ranger stations, picnic areas, emergency locations and more, from non-recreational features.
• Enhanced contour interval algorithm for more precise terrain depiction.
• Unique to the 25K Recreational Topo is the ability to show only National Trails or only Standard Trails using the Edit Layers capability.

100K Topo

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Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

100K Topos are 1:100,000-scale maps inspired by the 30- by 60-minute map series published by the USGS through the end of the 20th century.

• These medium-scale maps are designed to cover an area of approximately 1,500 to 2,200 square miles and are ideal for any application where information across a large area is needed.
• While 100K Topos contains less detail than the larger-scale OnDemand Topos, they provide enough information for many traditional and recreational uses as well as some science and planning applications.
• 100K Topo maps also feature additional land cover categories, such as grassland and crop/pasture, alongside the customary woodland tint.
• In order to support a consistent snapshot of 1:100,000-scale National Map data, content on 100K Topos may be less current than data appearing on a contemporary larger-scale OnDemand Topo map.

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Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

250K Topo

*OnDemand Topo maps are available anywhere within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The 250K OnDemand Topo is not suited for mapping the Pacific Territories at the 1:250,000-scale. To request a map of this area, please choose another OnDemand Topo Map Type. 

To learn more about map scales and how they differ in detail, content, and area coverage please visit the  USGS Map Scales publication. 

topoBuilder is accessible via desktop computer or mobile device. Questions and feedback are welcomed by The National Map Help Desk at tnm_help@usgs.gov.

Additional Resources