The wide range of information provided by topo maps make them extremely useful to professional and recreational map users alike. Topographic maps are traditionally used for engineering, energy exploration, natural resource conservation, environmental management, public works design, commercial and residential planning, and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
These historically utilitarian maps are rapidly becoming more than just old maps though. Designers across the country have been looking to the past and our topographical map reproductions as inspired decorating ideas. The contrast of brighter and neutral colors draws the eye and enhances today's modern eclectic and traditional decors. Surveys of the coastline at your beach house, or the topography of Boulder Canyon before the Hoover Dam flooded it to make Lake Mead, or the original outline of the "Proposed" Great Smoky Mountains for your house in the hills make these maps some of the most personally and historically relevant "conversation pieces" on the market today.