Free topographic map with worldwide contour lines
OnlineTopoMap is a free topographic map covering the entire world. Contour lines, elevation data, and terrain profiles make mountains, valleys, and slopes visible at a glance. The map works directly in your browser without installation or registration and is a practical alternative to traditional road maps.
Why OnlineTopoMap?
OnlineTopoMap provides a free alternative to many traditional mapping services. The focus is on topographic information such as contour lines, elevation profiles, and terrain features – ideal for outdoor activities, travel planning, and exploring landscapes worldwide.
100% Free
The entire map can be used free of charge directly in your browser.
No Registration Required
Start exploring immediately – without signing up or installing any software.
Alternative to Road Maps
Focuses on terrain, contour lines, elevation data, and elevation profiles instead of traditional navigation.
How is OnlineTopoMap related to OpenTopoMap?
- OnlineTopoMap is the continuation of OpenTopoMap, the map style that has been turning OpenStreetMap data into a topographic map for more than ten years.
- Top-O-Map is the company that runs the servers and develops the map further.
- OnlineTopoMap is the website through which the map can be used online.
The map style itself remains under the CC-BY-SA licence, just as OpenTopoMap does. Because without the work that went into OpenTopoMap over the years, there would be no OnlineTopoMap.
More about the technology behind the map can be found at Top-O-Map.
History:
The original OpenTopoMap server was no longer maintained. The map data had not been updated for years, zoom levels beyond 15 were no longer served, and the shutdown was scheduled for early 2026. Top-O-Map stepped in and took over the delivery of the map tiles — since then the map has been running on our hardware, faster than before.
Further improvements came with it:
- Up-to-date data – the database is refreshed every few months
- Better elevation data – worldwide, the SRTM DEM at 90 m resolution has been replaced by the Copernicus DEM at 30 metres; in Europe, lidar data compiled by Sonny is used
- Cleaner hillshading, so paths and contour lines are now easier to see even on steep slopes. The terrain also looks more three-dimensional
At the same time, a separate high-resolution map was built on a second server alongside OpenTopoMap: four times as many pixels, to do justice to modern screens and smartphones, plus daily updates. More zoom levels are planned as well, to show even more detail, along with lidar elevation data at up to one metre resolution (where available) and different map styles, so you always have the best view for whatever you are doing. These new maps are what you see here, on OnlineTopoMap.
What does a topographic map show?
A topographic map does not only display roads and locations, but above all the shape of the terrain. Contour lines make elevation differences visible: where the terrain rises steeply, where a valley begins, and how high a summit actually is. This is what distinguishes a topographic map from a traditional road map.
OnlineTopoMap applies this principle to the entire world map: from coastal plains to the highest peaks on Earth, the terrain and elevation of every region can be explored.
- Contour lines – connect points of equal elevation and make slopes visible at a glance.
- Elevation gain – shows the exact height difference between two points.
- Terrain profile – displays the pattern of climbs and descents along a route.
- Summits & elevations – prominent mountains are marked with their elevation.
- Water & vegetation – rivers, lakes, and forests complete the landscape view.
Everything a good topographic map needs
OnlineTopoMap combines clear cartography with the details that matter for mountains, slopes, and terrain planning.
Contour Lines
Slopes, valleys, and peaks are instantly visible through detailed contour lines – for every region of the world.
Terrain Profiles
The elevation profile of a route shows climbs and descents before the first adventure even begins.
Worldwide Coverage
Whether the Alps, Rocky Mountains, or Himalayas – the world map covers all continents and mountain ranges.
Summits & Elevation
Prominent elevations and peaks are marked with their height in meters.
Clear Presentation
Clean, bright cartography that remains easy to read even on smaller screens.
Directly in Your Browser
No installation required – the map works online on desktop and mobile devices.
Elevation Gain Matters More Than Distance
Two routes can have the same distance and still feel completely different. The key factor is often not the length of the route, but the elevation gain: how many meters of height are between the start and finish, and how steeply they are distributed along the way.
A topographic map makes this immediately visible: closely spaced contour lines indicate steep terrain, while wider spacing represents flatter sections.
Example: Reading Contour Lines
Each line connects points of equal elevation. How close they sit reveals how steep it gets.
Open the Free Topographic World Map Now
Explore contour lines, terrain profiles, and elevation data worldwide. OnlineTopoMap is free, ready to use instantly, and available directly in your browser.