Currently, there are more than 178,000 maps in the HTMC and the collection continues to grow. The goal of the HTMC, which started in 2011, is to provide a digital repository of USGS 1:250,000 scale and larger (more detailed) maps printed between 1884 (the inception of the topographic mapping program), and 2006. This benefits non-specialist map users, as well as applications that need traditional maps. US Topo maps repackage geographic information system (GIS) data in traditional map form. These maps are modeled on the familiar 7.5-minute quadrangle maps of the period 1947-1992, but are mass-produced from national GIS databases on a repeating cycle. The term “US Topo” refers specifically to quadrangle topographic maps published in 2009 and later. The maps shown through topoView are from the USGS’s US Topo series and earlier Historical Topographic Map Collection (HTMC). Packed with new features and downloadable file formats The NGMDB project is proud to assist the NGP in bringing these maps to the Web. Geologic mapping and topographic mapping at the USGS have a long tradition together (see 1888 report). This interface was created by the National Geologic Map Database project (NGMDB), in support of topographic mapping program managed by the National Geospatial Program (NGP). This can be particularly useful for historical purposes, such as finding the names of natural and cultural features that have changed over time. TopoView shows the many and varied topographic maps of each of these areas through history. As the years passed, the USGS produced new map versions of each area.

This mapping was done at different levels of detail, to support various land use and other purposes. In 1879, the USGS began to map the Nation's topography.

TopoView highlights one of the USGS's most important and useful products, the topographic map. Accessing USGS topographic maps has never been easier

Us grid mapping