American Military Mapping

The U.S. Government has supported the creation of a global series of topographic maps, the origins of which coincide with the emergence of the USA as a global superpower following the World War II experience. At present US military topographic maps are produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), either alone or in cooperation with US allies or partner countries. Prior to NGA, US military topographic maps were produced by the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), and prior to DMA, by the Army Map Service (AMS). Most of the recent maps at larger scales are marked as "limited" distribution materials and accessible for the government and DoD contractors only. Nonetheless certain series over some parts of the world are available and can be provided.

Generally, maps can be provided in paper or raster form; however, in certain cases only ADRG or ADRG-derived products are available.