Avenza Adds USGS US Topo Maps to PDF Maps App

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) continues to support the delivery of its digital maps through Avenza Systems Inc.‘s PDF Maps app. It has widened the selection to more than 120,000 US Topo topographic maps on its digital mapping platform, which provides digital users access to USGS’ rich map content and extends its reach with a growing base of mobile consumers.

The app currently aids a growing number of people who reference digital devices for work or recreation. Travelers, scientists and conservation and environmental decision makers already make use of USGS topo maps, but the expanded use of the maps via the PDF Maps app provides current USGS topo map users the ability to digitally access maps in areas with little to no internet reception and input notes and images within the map all while tracking current position.

The USGS produces US Topo maps on a continuous basis with more than 18,000 revised quadrangles produced every year. Currently, thousands of maps from USGS’s extensive library are now available in Avenza’s PDF Maps database, including the most current variations that reflect the changing landscape of the country.

Many historical maps can also be accessed, with thousands more dating back 130 years being added in the near future, according to Avenza. The app provides constant access to geographic information and points of interest, with additional interactive features such as measuring, place marking and location tagging. Avenza’s PDF Maps app operates without the risk of lost reception due to cell tower proximity, making it the ultimate traveling tool since it does not rely on an internet connection to use map data and obtain and display location.

“Distinguished map publishers like the USGS fully recognize the shift to digital and how consumers are accessing and consuming information that was once static and digitally implementing it into their daily lives and making it more interactive,” said Ted Florence, president of Avenza Systems Inc. “Avenza’s PDF Maps app is an example of how a digital tool can expand the utility of a map beyond location guidance; it is also a tool to capture an experience in real-time. As the industry continues to evolve to fit into the world of a mobile consumer, we look forward to strengthening our ties with groups like the USGS.

PDF Maps app 2.6 is available on the iTunes App Store free of charge for personal and private use. PDF Maps app is also available for use with Android devices in the Google Play Store free of charge for personal non-commercial use. A Windows version is currently in public beta targeted for a release later this year.