For All You Map Fanatics

My apologies if this has been brought up here on the forum before but I don't remember seeing anything about it. I stumbled upon this while browsing the web this morning. Seems the old 7.5 minute USGS topo maps are being completely replaced as part of "The National Map" project. Colorado is scheduled to be added in 2010 and all the new info is/will be available free on the USGS site. The new format allows data layers and other GIS goodies. Nothing groundbreaking considering what's out there in Google Earth, etc. but the fact it's from the USGS is a positive in my opinion.
I went to the store and downloaded one from the Yellowstone area. My initial thoughts are that the interface to get the maps is clunky, the TerraGo plugin that enables the full functionality within adobe reader is Windows only, but the quality of the 15-20MB files is great. It will be interesting to see how this evolves. I'd like to hear others thoughts.

Thematic mapping is the wave of the future. What this allows is the user to 'declutter' an otherwise fixed symbology map. The entire map storage building at the USGS Federal Center will be emptied out as they bring on-demand printing systems online. Good stuff, thanks for sharing, Jason.

Darn, Utah isn't scheduled for 2010. I assume we'll have to wait till 2111.

Thanks for the link, Jason. I wasn't aware of the new, free, online availability.
It's been quite some time since I have purchased a paper quad.

Nice. Thanks for the link!!

I am a confirmed topo. map fanatic (use them for both work and play) and greatly appreciate this news!

I wonder if this means the new maps will have all the updated peak elevations.

Very cool! I like printed maps (around here, the Pikes Peak Atlas is my favorite), and the opportunity to print custom maps is great.