Category Archives: Maps/Apps/Charts/Data

USGS to retire Imagery Topo Base Map

Posted on by
Reply

The United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Geospatial Program (NGP) will retire the USGS Imagery Topo Base Map that combines aerial imagery with topographic map features like roads, place names, and contour lines into a single map view. It has been a popular resource for users who want to view topographic details on top of real-world imagery.

The USGS Imagery Topo Base Map service will not be available after November 16, 2026. Any application, map, or tool that references this service will not display the service data once the service is retired.

For more information, visit https://www.usgs.gov/the-national-map-data-delivery/news/imagery-topo-base-map-retirement .

Rather than a total loss of data, this retirement is a service reorganization. The USGS Imagery Topo Base Map service was a “hybrid” or multi-theme raster service. It flattened two completely different types of geospatial data into a single combined layer. You do not lose access to the underlying data. You simply need to change your application’s REST endpoints or base layer selections in your GIS software. You can replicate the exact same visual look by adding two separate services to your map frame.

For replacements, see the following: https://share.google/aimode/P8frdfd2y6oNMXZKg

LOC Geospatial Resources Virtual Orientation

Posted on by
Reply

Curious about the Library of Congress Geography & Map Division’s GIS and geospatial collections? Please join Geography and Map Division staff on 10/13 for a virtual orientation to learn more about our geospatial resources!

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm (Eastern)
Location: Online

Register for this session here!

Cartographer Tim St. Onge and Geospatial Data Visualization Librarians Abraham Parrish and Meagan Snow will present an introduction to the Geography & Map Division’s GIS and geospatial collections at the Library of Congress. This orientation session, aimed at the general public, will highlight the Division’s collections of geospatial data, born-digital maps, georeferenced maps, special collections in the History of Computer Cartography, and discuss cartographic products created by the Division, including web mapping applications. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees.

LOC Geography & Map Division Virtual Orientation

Posted on by
Reply

Curious about the Library of Congress’ Geography & Map Division collections? Please join Geography and Map Division staff next week for a virtual orientation to learn more about the collections and resources!

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm (Eastern), 12-1pm PDT

Location: Online

Register for this session here!

Reference librarian Julie Stoner and Geospatial Data Visualization Librarian Meagan Snow will present an introduction to the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress. This orientation session, aimed at the general public, will highlight a wide range of cartographic formats and subject matter. The focus of the session will be on maps and online resources available to all patrons any time or place in the world. Topics covered will also include search tips and tricks, research and collection guides, ways to engage with the collections online, and how to prepare for a future trip to the reading room. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees. Check it out!

Call for Entries: Fifth Annual Student Exhibition Competition

Posted on by
Reply

The California Map Society and the David Rumsey Map Center invite all US-based undergraduate and graduate students to apply for an opportunity to curate an original exhibition of maps from our collections based on the topic of the applicant’s choice. Proposals will be judged on the strength of the topic, the effective use of maps in support of the topic, and overall quality of research and writing. Applications are due Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:59pm to rumseymapcenter@stanford.edu. Use the subject: “Exhibition Competition Submission.” 

The winner of this competition will receive:

  • Installation of physical exhibition in the Rumsey Center and hosting of a digital companion exhibition
  • A pre-tax $1,000 award
  • One year membership in the California Map Society
  • Opportunity to present at the California Map Society’s spring meeting, and up to $1,000 for related travel expenses

Learn more about the award, past winners, and how to apply.

Federal Accessibility Deadline Will Be Delayed One Year

Posted on by
Reply

On April 20, 2026, the Department of Justice published an Interim Final Rule extending both compliance deadlines for the 2024 Title II web accessibility rule by one year. State and local government entities with a total population of 50,000 or more, which faced a deadline of April 24, 2026, now have until April 26, 2027. Smaller public entities and special district governments, which had until April 26, 2027, now have until April 26, 2028.

This means that all your GIS applications and PDF maps do not have to be compliant until next year. If you have been working diligently to get everything together by the deadline, you now have a reprieve!

More info about it here: https://www.govtech.com/policy/federal-accessibility-deadline-will-be-delayed-one-year

Library of Congress Webinar

Posted on by
Reply

The Library of Congress will hold a webinar on Nautical Charts.

Geography & Map Virtual Orientation: Nautical Charts

Date & Time: Feb 10, 2026 12:00 PM (PST)

Description: Reference librarian Julie Stoner and geospatial data visualization librarian Abraham Parrish will present an introduction to nautical charts in the Geography and Map Division collections at the Library of Congress. The first half of this orientation session will give an introduction to nautical charts, their history, and their uses. The second part of the orientation will highlight the various nautical chart holdings found within the division and how to search for and view these maps. After the presentation, staff look forward to answering additional questions from attendees.

Click here to register.