So you need USGS topos do you? After years and years the USGS topo data is still a hot ticket item that many Geo professionals rely on for their basemaps.
Since the dawn of time these data have been quite a pain to get.. imagine sifting through archaic data repositories on academic sites, state portals and antiquated web repositories (think 12 clicks to get your free download).
Well, fear not because not only are these data easily available from the USGS via the national map but thanks to Google and the Google Map Gallery project, users have one click access to downloading the USGS topo quad of choice.
Note, these data are made available as GeoPDF files so if you need other GIS formats or DRGs consult some of the State data repositories listed here and also in this comprehensive article on downloading free USGS data.
See also this primer on working with USGS SDTS data
About Topos:
US Topographic Maps are digital topographic maps produced by the National Geospatial Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). More information about US topographic maps is available at the National Map site. US Topo maps are available for free Web download from the USGS Store. Each map is delivered in PDF format with geospatial extensions (GeoPDF®) and is made from key layers of geographic data – orthoimagery, transportation, geographic names, topographic contours, boundaries, hydrography, structures, and woodlands – found in The National Map. The National Map is a nationwide repository of integrated data from local, State, Federal, and other sources. Recent US Topo maps also include the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and the United States National Grid (USNG).
Exploring US Topo GeoPDFs — Short "how-to" video about accessing, using and enhancing USGS US Topo map products. http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/663
Introduction to US Topo — a video The National Geospatial Program has released an informative and entertaining video to demonstrate the advantages, capabilities and opportunities provided by US Topo electronic maps. http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/568
Simply zoom in to an area of choice, determine which quad(s) is of interest, click the icon… enjoy your file!
You can check out the gallery HERE or test the service for yourself below – you can even embed the map service on your own website just like we did here. Want historical topos? Well you can get those as well!