Up On The Soapbox Topographical maps are the basis for almost everything that we do. Early maps guided exploration. Later maps formed the basis for land sales, plat maps and land ownership. The topographic map series is one of this nation's finest treasures, a resource of uncountable value. The series was paid for by citizens for their benefit, it should be available in a concise, friendly form for everyone to use at a reasonable price.
Topographical maps are art.
Each map has been painstakingly generated by hundreds of artisans, each improving on the work of their predecessors. When you hang a quadrangle on your wall and look your favorite place you don't see a paper map. Your mind sees the places you have been, the mountains, hills, streams and lakes. You can instantly remember those hikes you took 20 years ago and the events that occurred on them. The maps, like fine art, are more than paper and ink.