Up to date detailed US topo maps

1. What is the most detailed topo map?
2. How often are topographical maps updated?
3. Where can I get free topo maps?
4. How old are USGS topo maps?
5. Why is it called a 7.5 minute map?
6. Can I see topography on Google Maps?
7. What is a 7.5 Quadrangle map?
8. How accurate are USGS topo maps?
9. How were USGS topo maps updated?
10. What is a 7.5 minute map?
11. How do I print a free map?
12. Who uses topographic maps?

What is the most detailed topo map?

Scales & Series

USGS topographic maps come in a variety of scales. The most popular and the most detailed are the 7.5-minute or 1:24,000-scale (1 inch = 2,000 feet) quadrangle series. ... It takes about 57,000 7.5-minute maps to cover the 48 contiguous states.

How often are topographical maps updated?

US Topo maps are updated on a three-year production cycle (maps covering one third of the country are updated each year).

Where can I get free topo maps?

How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?

• Map Locator on the USGS Store -- Search and download free digital maps in GeoPDF format or order paper maps. ...
• TopoView -- The largest selection of digital options. ...
• Advanced users can also use The National Map and the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to download digital topographic maps.

How old are USGS topo maps?

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

Why is it called a 7.5 minute map?

7.5 Minute refers to the fact the map covers an area 7 minutes and 30 seconds of longitude by 7 minutes and 30 seconds of latitude. The title of the map is indicated in the upper right hand corner. ... In other words, and inch of the map equals 24,000 inches in the field.

Can I see topography on Google Maps?

Google Maps now has Terrain View, which enables users to see terrain maps for an area. Topographic contour lines are overlaid on the map to show elevation levels with altitude information displayed in gray numbers. ...

What is a 7.5 Quadrangle map?

A "quadrangle" is a topographic map produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) covering the United States. ... A 7.5 minute quadrangle map covers an area of 49 to 70 square miles (130 to 180 km²).

How accurate are USGS topo maps?

The orthoimage layer in US Topo maps is derived from images of the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). The production of these images is well controlled; they have an accuracy of 6 meters (~20 feet) or better.

How were USGS topo maps updated?

Historically, USGS topographic maps were made using data from primary sources including direct field observations. Those maps were compiled, drawn, and edited by hand. ... Thanks to automated production, US Topos have a rapid national refresh cycle (3 years), as opposed to 45 years for the historical 7.5-minute map series.

What is a 7.5 minute map?

For example, a 7.5-minute map shows an area that spans 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude, and it is usually named after the most prominent feature in the quadrangle. Others show a whole area—a county, State, national park, or place of special interest.

How do I print a free map?

Free maps can be printed in web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome.
...
Print maps using a web browser

1. View the map.
2. View the menu on the browser with the print option.
3. Click the print option.
4. View preview page (attached)
5. set pages to 1 (first page)
6. pdf or print it.

Who uses topographic maps?

How topographic maps are used for planning development. Private and public utility companies use topo- graphic maps for preliminary planning in the of- fice. Planners may select the general route of the proposed line on 1:250,000-scale maps, each covering about 6,000 square miles.