Complete Guide to TopoView: Downloading GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, and KMZ for GIS Projects
- Anvita Shrivastava
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When it comes to utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historical source maps, or analysing elevation-related data, TopoView provides a set of tools that can give you additional capabilities that may not be available from other mapping applications. TopoView is an online mapping application that was developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). TopoView makes more than 250,000 scanned topographic maps (from the late nineteenth century) available to the public free of charge and in various formats compatible with GIS. TopoView also allows for the downloading of these historical maps in modern GIS-compliant formats such as GeoPDFs, GeoTIFFs, and KMZs.
What Exactly is TopoView?
TopoView is an online tool created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to enable users to:
Access both contemporary and historical USGS-produced Topographic formats;
Limit which maps are displayed based upon the map's year of issue, scale, and geographic area search;
View a small image of the map before downloading it to their device.
Download various map filetypes (s) so they may open on any GIS program.
Using only maps from the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, TopoView's maps are guaranteed to be accurate and to be displayed with respect to latitude and longitude, making them ideal for Academic, Professional, and Personal use.
How GIS Professionals Can Benefit from Using TopoView
GIS Professionals -analysts, cartographers, students, and environmental researchers- can utilize TopoView for:
Analysis of historical land use/land cover
Environmental change (flood)
Hydrology/Watershed research
Disaster Planning and Hazard Assessment
Urban Development
Artwork (for Map and Terrain visualizations, but also for other scenarios)
Being able to download maps in multiple formats allows TopoView to be adaptable to any GIS environment.
TopoView's Download Formats Explained
There are three basic formats: GeoPDFs, GeoTIFFs, and KMZ (KML). Each format has its own purpose based on what type of project you work on.
GeoPDF
Some common characteristics of a GeoPDF are:
A PDF that is geospatially enabled
Can be read/downloaded from Adobe Acrobat, Avenza Maps, and many other mobile applications
Lightweight and therefore easy to share with others
Has the ability to display coordinates, measure distances, and toggle between layers if supplied
Compatibility with various GIS applications:
QGIS = Import GeoPDF using the Add Raster Layer feature
ArcGIS Pro = Readable as a georeferenced layer directly from a PDF file
Best Use Cases: Comprehensive GIS Analysis, Raster Processing, and Spatial Modelling.
Key Characteristics:
High-Resolution Georeferenced Raster Dataset.
Contains Metadata, Projection Information, and Elevation Data (If Available).
An Ideal Format for Creating Digital Maps, Conducting Spatial Analysis, and Creating Map Overlays.
GIS Compatibility:
All primary GIS Packages (QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, GRASS GIS, Global Mapper, Etc.) Will Read/Write GeoTIFF Files.
The Ideal Format for Analytical Workflows.
Best Use Cases: Fast Map Viewing in Google Earth.
Key Characteristics:
Compressed KML File Format.
Can Be Used to Overlay Historical Maps on the Google Earth 3D Globe.
A Good Option for a Quick Visual Comparison and Narrative of Historical Data.
GIS Compatibility:
Google Earth (and Google Earth for Mobile).
Most GIS Software Can Open a KMZ File or Convert It into Vector/Raster Formats.
How to Use TopoView: Step-By-Step Guide
These Directions Provide You with Step-By-Step Instructions on Downloading the Map in Your Preferred Format.
Step 1. Visit TopoView Website
Using your web browser, go to the TopoView website. The initial view is an interactive map of the United States that contains filters and a search box.
Step 2. Locate the Area You Wish to View on a Map
You can locate maps by:
Typing a place name or coordinates
Panning and zooming around the map
Using filters for scale, year, and map series
TopoView updates the map grid in real time as you zoom in.
Step 3: Sort By Date, Weight, or Type of Map
The following Filters will be useful:
Scale: The Typical Scale of 1:24,000 is a seven-and-a-half-minute topographic map.
Date Range: From the 1800s to today.
Type of Map: Historical to contemporary.
Once you find the right edition of a map, you can download it from your computer.
Step 4: View the Map
A map tile displays:
Thumbnail
Scale
Date of Publication
Formats Available to Download
Before you download, make sure you have the right edition.
Step 5: Download in Your Favorite Format
Select from:
GeoPDF
GeoTIFF
KMZ
Your download will start right away.
How to Use Each Format in GIS Software
Using GeoPDF in QGIS or ArcGIS
Open QGIS → Layer → Add Layer → Add Raster Layer
Select your GeoPDF file.
The map loads as a georeferenced raster.
Using GeoTIFF in GIS
Drag and drop directly into QGIS or ArcGIS.
Works with raster processing tools (hillshade, clipping, reprojecting, etc.)
Using KMZ in Google Earth
Open Google Earth Pro
Drag the KMZ file into the workspace.
Adjust opacity to compare historical maps with current satellite imagery.
For GIS specialists, historians, and investigators, TopoView is a great source of important information and materials. Whether someone is looking for computer-readable GeoTIFFs, user-friendly GeoPDFs, or KMZ files ready for Google Earth, TopoView has the right information and tools available for their specific needs and projects.
For more information or any questions regarding the TopoView, please don't hesitate to contact us at
Email: info@geowgs84.com
USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849
India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava
Canada: (519) 590 9999
Mexico: 55 5941 3755
UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710