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USA: Topographic Maps – USGS Topo (WMS/WMTS/Tile Server/ArcGIS)

Updated

This article explains how to add the USGS Topographic Maps service as a custom map layer in Plex-Earth for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD. It details supported service types (WMS, WMTS, Tile Server, ArcGIS REST), setup steps, optimal settings, and notes on performance and attribution. USGS Topo provides multi-scale, public domain topographic data for the U.S.

USGS_PIC.png

Learn how you can add the USGS Topographic Maps service in Plex-Earth as a custom map layer, allowing you to stream topographic maps directly inside AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or BricsCAD.

About the data

  • Data Provider: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

  • Official Website: https://www.usgs.gov/

  • Data Type: Topographic maps (cartographic basemap)

  • Service Type: Tile Server, WMTS, WMS, ArcGIS REST

  • Resolution: Multi-scale (cached tiles up to zoom level 16)

  • Terms of Use: Public domain

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides the USGS Topo basemap, a multi-scale topographic map service that includes terrain contours, hydrography, and other key geographic features across the United States.

Add the Custom Map as Imagery Provider

Find the related service URLs to copy here: 

  • WMS:

https://basemap.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/services/USGSTopo/MapServer/WMSServer

  • WMTS:

https://basemap.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/rest/services/USGSTopo/MapServer/WMTS/1.0.0/WMTSCapabilities.xml

  • Tile Server (XYZ):

http://basemap.nationalmap.gov/ArcGIS/rest/services/USGSTopo/MapServer/tile/{z}/{y}/{x}

  • ArcGIS REST Service:

https://basemap.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/rest/services/USGSTopo/MapServer
❗ WARNING! For WMS/WMTS, if the URL includes the ending ?request=GetCapabilities&service=WMS, remove it as Map Explorer already adds it automatically. Most WMS/WMTS servers do not care if you put it manually; however, there are cases that may confuse the server.

Steps on how to connect to the service and add it as a custom image provider via Plex-Earth Map Explorer:

  1. To access the Map Explorer, do either of the following: 

    • During the imagery mosaic process import, when choosing a provider, click on Add Custom Map.

    • Alternatively, run PXV_IMAGERY_PROVIDERS in the command line.

  2. In the next window, assign a name to the custom map → add a thumbnail (optional) → click on SAVE & EDIT.

  3. In the next window, click on CREATE A NEW MAP or pick from the collection of base maps.

  4. In the Map Explorer, click on the + button → select WMS/WMTS/Tile Server/ArcGIS to create a new layer.

  5. Fill in the following fields:

    • Name (required): USGS Topo

    • Description (optional)

    • Thumbnail URL (optional)

    • URL (required)

  6. Paste one of the service URLs listed above in the URL field.

  7. Click the Settings (gear) icon to manage the WMS/WMTS layer and view its properties.

  8. Tick the boxes of the layers provided that you wish to display and select the image format.

  9. Click CREATE to save and close the Map Explorer.

Import Images from the Custom Imagery Provider

The custom can now be selected as an imagery provider when importing imagery.

  1. Go to the Plex-Earth ribbon → click on the Create Imagery button → specify the cover area→ select either Single Images or Mosaic.

  2. When selecting the provider, click on the Custom Maps tab → select the custom map and finish the process.

❗ Warning: The USGS Topo Map Tile Server has a maximum zoom level of 16. If a higher zoom level is selected, it may capture white/blank tiles. If Zoom level 16 is not an option when selecting the resolution, selecting a larger area until Zoom Level 16 is available as one of the options.

Check out the full guides here: Single Image or Imagery Mosaic 

⚠️NOTE: When creating imagery from custom maps, some of the image tiles may not load completely and return a blank or white tile. Setting a higher tile capture delay value may help. You may also need to restart your Plex-Earth session for the changes to take effect. More info here.

Here is the result!

USGS Topo in Plex-Earth.jpg
Plex-Earth generated map using USGS topographic data (courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey)

Other Important Notes

  • Recommended Services: Tile Server and WMTS offer the best performance due to cached tiles.

  • Maximum Zoom Level: USGS Topo tiles are cached up to zoom level 16. Higher zoom levels may return empty or white tiles.

  • Attribution: Although USGS data is public domain, proper source attribution is recommended when publishing or sharing outputs.

List of Other Popular Map Services

For a broader selection of commonly used map services that we have tested, see List of Map Services Links

Do you know any source of imagery that you are interested in using?

 Click Here and send us the following details:

Is it a WMS, WMTS, Tile Server, or ArcGIS server?

Name of Map Server (for example, FEMA):

URL link to connect to:

We hope that you have found this tutorial about USA: Topographic Maps – USGS Topo (WMS/WMTS/Tile Server/ArcGIS), helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.

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