Topographic maps show information about the shape of the land—both natural features and purpose-built structures. They can be used to obtain precise measurements (within map scale limits) of distance, direction, area and quantity. Topographic maps can be:

• image maps which use aerial photography corrected to scale as a base. This is selectively enhanced with topographic information
• line maps which are traditional topographic maps where all features have been interpreted for the map user from aerial photography
• orthophoto maps which are similar to image maps but depict relief, selected enhanced roads and railways on an ortho-rectified image base—generally available only in hard copy.
• double-sided maps which have image maps on one side, and the line map on the reverse.

Depending on the map scale some features are symbolised to provide additional information.

Topographic maps produced by NRW are currently available in printed form. If you'd like to purchase or to order one, please contact your local NRW service centre.

View topographic map prices.

NRW captures a significant amount of topographic information and stores it in digital form. A selection of these images (aerial photographs corrected to scale) is also available.

A digital representation of a topographic line or image map can be provided as non-georeferenced PDF files. This data can be used to produce hard-copy maps. The information is also available as digital topographic data.