The National Map
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Next Generation of Topographic MapsElectronic Topographic Quadrangle Map As presently envisioned, the 1:24,000-scale topographic map produced from The National Map data will portray contours, hydrography, transportation, boundaries, structures, geographic names, and land cover in the customary 7.5-minute by 7.5-minute quadrangle format. The quality of the map products depends on the accuracy and currentness of the data used to make them. The file format will be georereferenced GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, and ESRI shape. The USGS plans on releasing the first of these maps in a developmental web site in the spring of 2009. Distribution will be in a digital form. ![]() Research also is underway to create a "custom map" service that would allow users to re-center, resize, and add layers to the map. User-created maps will adhere to the same basic product standards and be available in the same formats as the standard products. Current plans forecast a prototype custom map service available in early 2010. |