Multi-Resolution Topographic Mapping of Colorado

The topographic map is one of the most widely used types of maps and a primary source of geospatial information for nearly a century. Historically, topographic maps have been created using manual processes from newly derived spatial data. However, as technology and access to data improves, traditional methods of mapping can be replaced by digital cartographic procedures that allow the maps to be modified and updated more easily, providing the user with a high-quality product that reflects the best available information.

The purpose of this mapping effort was to determine whether high-quality, up-to-date topographic maps could be produced and updated using existing digital data and standard mapping software in a reduced amount of time at a lower cost than traditional methods. By using digital data and standard procedures, the maps can be produced consistently across large areas and at various scales.

These maps were produced using publicly available data from sources including the Colorado Department of Transportation (transportation; hydrography; and county, state, and federal boundaries), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (airports, hospitals, and schools), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (elevation). Contours and shaded relief were generated from the USGS one-arc-second National Elevation Dataset. The data varies in resolution from 1:24,000 to 1:250,000 scale and was generalized and edited to make it suitable for the various map resolutions. The maps depict the western portion of Colorado (1:250,000); portions of Jefferson, Gilpin, and Boulder counties (1:100,000); and the Eldorado Springs area (1:24,000). These products can also be used to generate a geocoded raster file in addition to hard-copy maps.