TopOSM

From OpenStreetMap Wiki

Browse the map at http://toposm.com/

TopOSM is an OpenStreetMap-based topographic map, similar in style to the USGS and National Geographic topographic maps and (to some degree) Google Maps in "Terrain" mode.

TopOSM showing the hills east of Oakland and Berkeley, CA.

The map features both contour lines and relief shading derived from data sources such as the USGS National Elevation Dataset, MassGIS and SRTM. Hydrographic features, such as lakes, rivers and wetlands, come from the USGS National Hydrographic Dataset and MassGIS. Roads, place names and all other map features are from the OpenStreetMap project.

NOTE: TopOSM maps are not updated as frequently as many other TopOSM based maps. Therefore, the map may not represent the latest data from the OpenStreetMap database. If you make a change in OpenStreetMap, it may take a significant period of time before it appears on toposm.com.

Coverage

TopOSM coverage is currently limited to the USA, and is available in the following areas:

• Massachusetts
• Colorado
• West coast USA - WA, OR, CA, NV (experimental)

Complete coverage of the USA, and later other areas of the world, is planned.

Features

The primary goal of TopOSM is to create a high-quality, detailed, highly readable and aesthetically pleasing topographic map. Below are examples of some of the features of TopOSM maps.

Hillshading and contour lines

Hillshading and contour lines are derived from the 1/3 arc-second National Elevation Dataset from USGS. The hillshading layer is color-coded with a typical green/brown/white gradient by elevation. Additionally, on higher zoom levels, contour lines are available with 50 ft intervals with a major contour line every 250 ft. Contour lines are marked with elevation labels, in feet.

The Olympic Penninsula and the Puget Sound area, Washington state, at zoom level 7. Hillshading and color by altitude.

Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, east of Seattle, at zoom level 11. Contour lines with a 250 ft interval are visible.

Snoqualmie Pass at zoom level 13, with 50 ft contour lines.

On recent TopOSM maps, the hillshading and contour line layers can be individually shown or hidden to customize the map.

Yosemite valley with contour lines hidden.

Yosemite valley with contour lines but no hillshading.

Hydrography

The National Hydrographic Dataset from USGS provides very detailed hydrographic information, including rivers, perennial and intermittent streams and ditches, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands and glaciers, most of which are rendered on the map at higher zoom levels.

TopOSM near Boulder, CO, with a multitude of streams, lakes and reservoirs from the NHD visible. Intermittent streams are shown as dashed lines.

Example of lakes, streams and wetlands near the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel through the Rocky Mountains.

Map features

Some of the symbols used on the TopOSM map.

Most features on the map, such as cities, roads, buildings and railroads come from the OpenStreetMap project. As a consequence, the TopOSM map will constantly be improved and updated. Since the primary use for a topographic map are outdoors activities, special priority has been to include related features, such as hiking trails and features, bike paths, shelters, parks and nature reserves.

Hiking trails on Cougar Mountain near Issaquah, WA.

Road shields are customized for the United States, and a custom set of map symbols, inspired by the style commonly found on topographic maps, was created.

Labels

Similar to many printed maps, rather than having a solid outline, labels on TopOSM provide spacing between the text and other high-contrast features on the map, for easy reading without cluttering the map.

Magnified to 200%, note that road fills are visible behind labels, despite the "halo".

Map key

A (collapsible) map key is included with the TopOSM maps to aid interpretation.

TopOSM Massachusetts with the map legend visible.

More information

• To add features or correct errors on the map, use the normal editing features on openstreetmap.org. Note that TopOSM maps are not updated immediately, and it may take a while until your corrections become visible.
• For more information about how the map was created, see TopOSM/Details.
• If you want to look at the source code, render your own TopOSM-style map, or help out with the project, you may want to look at TopOSM_howto.

Credits and licensing

TopOSM was created by User:Ahlzen, with contributions from several others, including User:Yellowbkpk and Nick Thompson.

The author also wishes to thank the US Geological Survey and the State of Massachusetts for providing me with data for the project, and all OpenStreetMap contributors.

OpenStreetMap Data is available under the Creative Commons "Attribution-Share Alike" (CC-BY-SA) license. NED and NHD data from USGS, being the work of a US goverment agency, is considered public domain. MassGIS data is free for any use, as long as proper attribution is given. Therefore, this topo map is available under the CC-BY-SA license as well.