## Breadcrumb

-  Science 
-  Science Explorer 
-  Maps and Mapping 

# Navigating The National Map

Find the latest news here!

Learn more here!

The National Map is the place to get accurate maps and find the trustworthy data to make maps for the United States and its territories. 

                  -              Overview           
                  -              Science           
                  -              Data and More           
                  -              FAQ           

The free data and products from The National Map can be used by government, industry, academia, as well as the public, in support of geologic mapping, natural hazard planning, natural resource conservation, emergency management, recreation, and many other applications. The National Map includes datasets used to make topographic maps.  

A topographic map shows the surface of the earth, along with other natural and human-made features like rivers, roads, cities, and place names.  The National Map also combines information from other resources and datasets that provide context on topographic maps like transportation, structures, and boundaries. The National Map is managed by the USGS National Geospatial Program in coordination with federal, state, and local partners and may be accessed through data download, web map services, and an online viewer. 

3D Hydrography Program

## 3D Hydrography Program

Topographic Mapping

## Topographic Mapping

3D Elevation Program

## 3D Elevation Program

## Using the National Map

How can you build a map using The National Map? There are many resources available for looking at historical maps (topoView | USGS), downloading existing maps and data used to build them (TNM Downloader), and generating custom maps (topoBuilder (nationalmap.gov) ).  

New tools and options are also being developed to help the public access and make use of maps and map data. A cool tool that is available, allows you to explore all of the Lidar data that the USGS collects to help build maps (https://apps.nationalmap.gov/lidar-explorer/#/). Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) is a technology used to create detailed models of the ground and everything on it. 

National Map GIS Data Download

## National Map GIS Data Download

topoBuilder: Create Custom Topo Maps

## topoBuilder: Create Custom Topo Maps

3DEP LidarExplorer

## 3DEP LidarExplorer

topoView: Find Historic Maps

## topoView: Find Historic Maps

National Map Online Applications

## National Map Online Applications

Training Videos for the National Map

## Training Videos for the National Map

## Science

link

July 13, 2021

####                 USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary              

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center 

link

July 13, 2021

####   USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary

Learn More

link

April 19, 2016

####                 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data              

Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program

link

April 19, 2016

####   3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data

Learn More

View All

link

July 13, 2021

####                 USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary              

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center 

link

July 13, 2021

####   USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary

Learn More

link

April 19, 2016

####                 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data              

Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program

link

April 19, 2016

####   3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data

Learn More

November 3, 2022

####                 Download Data & Maps from The National Map              

The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.

Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, National Hydrography, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic Names

February 22, 2022

####                 topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand              

topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.

National Geospatial Program, National Digital Trails, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic Names

December 28, 2021

####                 topoView              

topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps

National Geospatial Program, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic Names

June 18, 2020

####                 7.5 & 15 Minute Topographic Maps (USGS Store)              

Explore all 7.5 and 15-minute topographic (topo) maps within the USGS Store. Download or purchase options available. 

Communications and Publishing

link

####                 How do I download layers in The National Map Viewer?              

Base map data layers in  The National Map Viewer  are for viewing only. This application is designed for visualizing data, combining different data layers, and creating (and printing) your own maps. To download data from The National Map, see the link at the top of the Viewer for the Data Downloader .  None of the base map layers in the Viewer are available for download, but some of them can be...

link

####   How do I download layers in The National Map Viewer?

Base map data layers in  The National Map Viewer  are for viewing only. This application is designed for visualizing data, combining different data layers, and creating (and printing) your own maps. To download data from The National Map, see the link at the top of the Viewer for the Data Downloader .  None of the base map layers in the Viewer are available for download, but some of them can be...

Learn More

link

####                 What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?              

Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...

link

####   What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?

Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...

Learn More

link

####                 Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?              

See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications

link

####   Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?

See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications

Learn More

                  - Overview  
The free data and products from The National Map can be used by government, industry, academia, as well as the public, in support of geologic mapping, natural hazard planning, natural resource conservation, emergency management, recreation, and many other applications. The National Map includes datasets used to make topographic maps.  

A topographic map shows the surface of the earth, along with other natural and human-made features like rivers, roads, cities, and place names.  The National Map also combines information from other resources and datasets that provide context on topographic maps like transportation, structures, and boundaries. The National Map is managed by the USGS National Geospatial Program in coordination with federal, state, and local partners and may be accessed through data download, web map services, and an online viewer. 
3D Hydrography Program3D Hydrography ProgramTopographic MappingTopographic Mapping3D Elevation Program3D Elevation ProgramUsing the National Map
How can you build a map using The National Map? There are many resources available for looking at historical maps (topoView | USGS), downloading existing maps and data used to build them (TNM Downloader), and generating custom maps (topoBuilder (nationalmap.gov) ).  

New tools and options are also being developed to help the public access and make use of maps and map data. A cool tool that is available, allows you to explore all of the Lidar data that the USGS collects to help build maps (https://apps.nationalmap.gov/lidar-explorer/#/). Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) is a technology used to create detailed models of the ground and everything on it. 
National Map GIS Data DownloadNational Map GIS Data DownloadtopoBuilder: Create Custom Topo MapstopoBuilder: Create Custom Topo Maps3DEP LidarExplorer3DEP LidarExplorertopoView: Find Historic MapstopoView: Find Historic MapsNational Map Online ApplicationsNational Map Online ApplicationsTraining Videos for the National MapTraining Videos for the National MapSciencelinkJuly 13, 2021                USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary                The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.ByEarth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center linkJuly 13, 2021  USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary  The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.Learn More**linkApril 19, 2016                3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data                High quality 3D elevation data are critical to flood risk management, resource management, conservation, alternative energy, agriculture, infrastructure management, and a broad range of other nationally significant applications. 3DEP is a cooperative program, managed by the USGS on behalf of the community, with the goal to complete national coverage of 3D elevation data in 8 years.ByCore Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial ProgramlinkApril 19, 2016  3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data  High quality 3D elevation data are critical to flood risk management, resource management, conservation, alternative energy, agriculture, infrastructure management, and a broad range of other nationally significant applications. 3DEP is a cooperative program, managed by the USGS on behalf of the community, with the goal to complete national coverage of 3D elevation data in 8 years.Learn More**View All 
                  - Science  LabellinkJuly 13, 2021                USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary                The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.ByEarth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center linkJuly 13, 2021  USGS LiDAR Data Dictionary  The Data Dictionaries are a set of information describing the contents, format, and structure of elements for EarthExplorer products.Learn More**linkApril 19, 2016                3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data                High quality 3D elevation data are critical to flood risk management, resource management, conservation, alternative energy, agriculture, infrastructure management, and a broad range of other nationally significant applications. 3DEP is a cooperative program, managed by the USGS on behalf of the community, with the goal to complete national coverage of 3D elevation data in 8 years.ByCore Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial ProgramlinkApril 19, 2016  3D Elevation Program (3DEP) - Your Source for 3D Elevation Data  High quality 3D elevation data are critical to flood risk management, resource management, conservation, alternative energy, agriculture, infrastructure management, and a broad range of other nationally significant applications. 3DEP is a cooperative program, managed by the USGS on behalf of the community, with the goal to complete national coverage of 3D elevation data in 8 years.Learn More** 
                  - Data and More  LabelNovember 3, 2022                Download Data & Maps from The National Map              
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
ByCore Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, National Hydrography, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic NamesFebruary 22, 2022                topoBuilder - Custom Topographic Maps On Demand              
topoBuilder is a public web application released by the National Geospatial Program that enables users to request customized USGS-style topographic maps, known as an OnDemand Topo, that utilize the best available data from The National Map.
ByNational Geospatial Program, National Digital Trails, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic NamesDecember 28, 2021                topoView              
topoView is an easy-to-use application for browsing the Historical Topographic Map Collection and US Topo maps
ByNational Geospatial Program, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic NamesJune 18, 2020                7.5 & 15 Minute Topographic Maps (USGS Store)              
Explore all 7.5 and 15-minute topographic (topo) maps within the USGS Store. Download or purchase options available. 
ByCommunications and Publishing 
                  - FAQ  Labellink                How do I download layers in The National Map Viewer?              
Base map data layers in  The National Map Viewer  are for viewing only. This application is designed for visualizing data, combining different data layers, and creating (and printing) your own maps. To download data from The National Map, see the link at the top of the Viewer for the Data Downloader .  None of the base map layers in the Viewer are available for download, but some of them can be...
link  How do I download layers in The National Map Viewer?
Base map data layers in  The National Map Viewer  are for viewing only. This application is designed for visualizing data, combining different data layers, and creating (and printing) your own maps. To download data from The National Map, see the link at the top of the Viewer for the Data Downloader .  None of the base map layers in the Viewer are available for download, but some of them can be...
Learn More**link                What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?              
Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...
link  What are the Terms of Use/Licensing for map services and data from The National Map?
Map services and data downloaded from The National Map are free and in the public domain. There are no restrictions; however, we request that the following acknowledgment statement of the originating agency be included in products and data derived from our map services when citing, copying, or reprinting: "Map services and data available from U.S. Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program."...
Learn More**link                Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?              
See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications
link  Where can I find a list of URLs for The National Map services?
See The National Map Services for a complete list of map service URLs. That includes available REST, WMS, WMTS (cached base maps only), WFS, WCS, and other service links. Learn more: Training videos for The National Map Products and Services The National Map Applications
Learn More**