Hi folks,
The U.S. Geological Survey is pleased
to introduce the new US
Topo, a
digital 1:24,000-scale topographic map series for 2010. US Topo is
a major new step in regenerating, improving, and updating the familiar
USGS topographic maps. The new maps are built from the digital
layers of The National Map, which is a synthesis of information
from local, state, and federal partners. The US Topo maps combine
the familiar data layers seen in the original map - contours, hydrography,
transportation, geographic names, and more - over an image background.
The map’s collar and frame have the same look and feel as the legacy
USGS topographic map. While the maps are built from digital components,
users can print the maps showing different layers and at different scales.
US Topo builds on the earlier introduction
of the "Digital Map - Beta." More than 14,100 "Digital
Map - Beta" quadrangle maps have been produced since June of 2009,
with coverage in 18 states including Maine. These maps were a developmental
precursor to the US Topo and, while similar in appearance to USGS topographic
maps, did not include the hydrography and contour lines. US Topo
adds these layers and other improvements and will now be the foundation
upon which future enhancements and additional data are added. US
Topo maps will be produced in 2010 and 2011 to complete coverage of the
continental United States. For 2010, US Topo production begins in
Kansas and progresses to New York, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Texas toward
a total of 16 states. In
2012, the existing "Digital Map - Beta" products will be supplanted
by new US Topo maps and production will continue on a national three year
cycle.
US Topo maps are available on the Internet
at no cost in a GeoPDF format. Free tools allow users to determine
coordinates, turn layers on and off, zoom in and out, and print the map
image. We invite you to be among the first to evaluate this new product
by visiting the USGS Store site at store.usgs.gov.
More information on US Topo can be found on The National Map
web site at nationalmap.gov/ustopo/.
The site includes a "Quickstart" user's guide, links to
locate and download the available maps, an information sheet, and some
interesting information concerning the history of topographic mapping in
the USGS. Your feedback on the US Topo is very important and will be used
to improve the maps, the website, and outreach materials. Please
submit your comments via nationalmap.gov/ustopo/ustopo_feedback.html
or simply click on the "Contact Us" tab of the US Topo web site.
Contact me if you have questions.
Best regards,
Dan
Dan Walters
Geospatial Liaison for Maine
USGS NSDI Partnership Office
196 Whitten Road
Augusta, Maine 04330
207-776-1293
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