How to Choose Topographic Maps for Western Australia

by Christopher O'Keeffe July 01, 2026

Western Australia is so large and geographically varied that no single topographic-map scale can meet every need. The correct choice depends on where you are going, how much terrain detail you require and how much country must appear on one sheet.

Western Australia contains some of the most diverse landscapes on the continent.

Its topography includes:

• the Perth metropolitan region

• the Swan Coastal Plain

• the Darling Scarp

• the forests and agricultural districts of the South West

• the Stirling and Porongurup ranges

• the Wheatbelt

• the Goldfields

• the Pilbara

• the Kimberley

• the Gascoyne

• vast pastoral districts

• remote deserts

• an immense coastline

A bushwalker near Perth may need a highly detailed 1:25,000 map.

An environmental team working across a larger district may prefer 1:50,000.

A mining, pastoral or emergency-planning project extending across hundreds of square kilometres may be better served by 1:100,000 mapping.

The challenge is not simply finding a map of Western Australia.

It is choosing:

1. the correct map series;

2. the correct scale;

3. the correct sheet name and number;

4. any adjoining sheets required;

5. the best physical format for the intended use.

Mapworld supplies Western Australia’s modern Landgate topographic mapping in three principal scales:

• Western Australia 1:25,000 Topographic Maps

• Western Australia 1:50,000 Topographic Maps

• Western Australia 1:100,000 Topographic Maps

Each series is available through Mapworld in paper, waterproof Tyvek® and laminated formats.

---

Western Australian Topographic Maps: Quick Scale Guide

Scale	One centimetre represents	Approximate sheet coverage	Typical contour interval	Best suited to
1:25,000	250 metres	About 14 × 12.5 km	5–10 metres	Bushwalking, properties, detailed fieldwork
1:50,000	500 metres	About 25 × 25 km	10–20 metres	Regional fieldwork, camping, land management
1:100,000	1 kilometre	About 50 × 50 km	20 metres	Mining, pastoral work, regional and remote planning

The basic principle is:

The smaller the number after the colon, the greater the map detail.

A 1:25,000 map is more detailed than a 1:50,000 map.

A 1:50,000 map is more detailed than a 1:100,000 map.

The trade-off is coverage.

Greater detail means less land fits on one sheet.

---

What Is a Landgate Topographic Map?

Landgate is Western Australia’s official land-information authority and the publisher of the WA Topo series.

A Landgate topographic map provides a detailed representation of natural and built features, potentially including:

• contour lines

• spot heights

• ridges

• valleys

• plains

• escarpments

• rivers

• creeks

• wetlands

• drainage systems

• roads

• streets

• tracks

• railways

• settlements

• buildings

• utilities

• national parks

• reserves

• vegetation

• cadastral and administrative boundaries

• named geographic features

The maps also contain technical reference information such as:

• scale bar

• map legend

• map reference index

• Map Grid of Australia coordinates

• grid north

• true north

• magnetic north

This makes them substantially different from ordinary touring maps.

A road or touring map is designed primarily to explain how to travel between destinations.

A topographic map is designed to explain the geography of the land itself.

---

The Three Modern WA Topographic Series

Mapworld’s Western Australian topographic collections are organised around three Landgate series:

WA Topo 25

Detailed 1:25,000 mapping for Perth, the South West and selected high-feature-density areas.

Browse:

• Western Australia 1:25,000 Topographic Maps

• WA Topo 25 Maps — Landgate Topographic Map Series

WA Topo 50

1:50,000 mapping across selected areas where broader coverage is required without losing important terrain and infrastructure detail.

Browse:

• Western Australia 1:50,000 Topographic Maps

• WA Topo 50 Maps — Landgate Topographic Map Series

WA Topo 100

1:100,000 mapping for selected broad regional areas where large-area coverage is more important than fine local detail.

Browse:

• Western Australia 1:100,000 Topographic Maps

• WA Topo 100 Maps — Landgate Topographic Map Series

---

Step 1: Define What the Map Must Do

Before selecting a scale, identify the purpose of the map.

Ask whether it is needed for:

• bushwalking

• four-wheel driving

• property management

• mining

• environmental work

• emergency planning

• surveying

• engineering

• infrastructure

• regional research

• education

• wall display

• general navigation

The most detailed map is not automatically the best map.

A 1:25,000 sheet may provide excellent local detail, but it can become impractical if a route or project extends across a large district.

A 1:100,000 sheet covers much more country but may omit minor features that matter in the field.

The correct scale provides enough detail without unnecessarily dividing the required area across many sheets.

---

Step 2: Define the Location Precisely

A place name alone may not be enough to identify the correct map.

Useful location information includes:

• town or suburb

• property address

• mine site

• pastoral station

• national park

• walking track

• road intersection

• river or creek

• latitude and longitude

• MGA coordinates

• GPS waypoint

• dropped map pin

This is particularly important in remote Western Australia.

A mine, station or field site may be known by a name that does not appear in the map title.

The nearest town may be on another sheet.

A route may cross two, three or more map boundaries.

Precise coordinates provide the clearest way to identify the required coverage.

---

Step 3: Use the Landgate Map Index

Western Australian topographic maps are organised as individual sheets.

Each sheet has identifying information such as:

• map name

• map number

• scale

• geographic boundary

The Landgate coverage index shows how these sheets fit together.

To find the correct map:

1. open the appropriate Landgate coverage index;

2. locate the destination or enter its coordinates;

3. select the required scale;

4. identify the sheet covering the location;

5. record the complete sheet name and number;

6. check whether the route or property extends onto an adjoining sheet.

Mapworld’s WA Topo product pages link directly to the relevant map indexes.

You can also contact Mapworld with your:

• location

• coordinates

• intended use

• preferred scale

and request help locating the correct sheet.

---

Why the Sheet Name Can Be Misleading

Topographic sheets are normally named after a prominent town, locality or geographic feature within their boundaries.

The sheet is not necessarily named after every place shown on it.

A map needed for:

• a small reserve

• a bushwalking route

• a farm

• a mine

• a creek

• a minor settlement

• a remote access track

may carry the name of another feature several kilometres away.

This is why the map number is important.

A complete map number identifies the geographic sheet more reliably than a general search for a place name.

Examples of the naming systems used on Mapworld’s ordering pages include:

• Perth 2034-2 at 1:25,000

• Kalgoorlie 3920-3 at 1:50,000

• Meekatharra 2446 at 1:100,000

When ordering, include the full name and number wherever possible.

---

WA Topo 25: Choosing a 1:25,000 Map

Best for Detailed Local Mapping

At 1:25,000:

One centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground.

One kilometre occupies four centimetres on the map.

That creates room for detailed representation of:

• contour lines

• minor landforms

• roads and streets

• local tracks

• creeks and drainage lines

• wetlands

• structures

• reserves

• cadastral boundaries

• vegetation patterns

Each WA Topo 25 sheet covers approximately:

• 7 minutes 30 seconds of longitude

• 7 minutes 30 seconds of latitude

• about 14 × 12.5 kilometres

Contour intervals are generally between five and ten metres, depending on the terrain.

The standard sheet size is approximately 810 × 600 mm.

---

Where WA Topo 25 Is Available

The modern WA Topo 25 series principally covers:

• the Perth metropolitan region

• the South West

• selected locations elsewhere in Western Australia where feature density requires detailed mapping

It does not mean that every part of Western Australia is available at 1:25,000.

Always consult the index before ordering.

The Western Australia 1:25,000 collection provides access to the series and ordering instructions.

---

Who Should Choose WA Topo 25?

A 1:25,000 map is particularly suitable for:

• bushwalkers

• cyclists

• search-and-rescue teams

• landowners

• local-government planners

• surveyors

• environmental scientists

• engineers

• property managers

• teachers

• researchers

Bushwalking

The detailed contours make it easier to interpret:

• slope

• ridges

• valleys

• saddles

• drainage

• cliffs

• potential route difficulty

Property and Land Management

The scale is useful for studying:

• access tracks

• reserves

• drainage

• vegetation

• nearby roads

• infrastructure

• cadastral context

A topographic map should not be treated as a legal survey or certificate of title, even where cadastral boundaries are displayed.

Emergency Services

The scale is valuable for:

• local access planning

• incident coordination

• flood and fire response

• search operations

• identifying roads, tracks and water features

Environmental Fieldwork

A 1:25,000 map can provide a practical base for:

• habitat surveys

• wetland studies

• vegetation assessment

• sampling locations

• catchment work

• field annotations

---

When 1:25,000 Is Too Detailed

The strength of 1:25,000 is also its limitation.

Because each sheet covers only about 14 × 12.5 kilometres, a longer route or large project may require several sheets.

Choose a broader scale when:

• the journey extends across a large regional area

• a pastoral property covers multiple sheets

• a field team requires wider operational context

• the project follows a long road, pipeline or transmission corridor

• the area must be viewed as one connected landscape

In those cases, consider WA Topo 50 or WA Topo 100.

---

WA Topo 50: Choosing a 1:50,000 Map

Best Balance of Detail and Coverage

At 1:50,000:

One centimetre on the map represents 500 metres on the ground.

One kilometre occupies two centimetres on the map.

Each WA Topo 50 sheet covers approximately:

• 15 minutes of longitude

• 15 minutes of latitude

• about 25 × 25 kilometres

Contour intervals normally range from ten to twenty metres, depending on the terrain.

The standard sheet measures approximately 810 × 600 mm.

Browse:

• Western Australia 1:50,000 Topographic Maps

• WA Topo 50 Maps — Landgate Topographic Map Series

---

Why 1:50,000 Is Often the Practical Choice

The 1:50,000 scale occupies an important middle ground.

It covers approximately four times the area of a 1:25,000 sheet while retaining substantial terrain and infrastructure detail.

It is particularly useful for:

• regional bushwalking

• camping

• four-wheel driving

• forestry

• environmental projects

• mine-site access planning

• emergency operations

• land-resource management

• larger rural properties

• engineering corridors

A 1:50,000 map can show enough surrounding country to make the terrain understandable as a connected system.

This is useful when studying:

• catchments

• drainage lines

• ridges

• access routes

• regional roads

• adjoining reserves

• vegetation patterns

• infrastructure corridors

---

Who Should Choose WA Topo 50?

Bushwalkers and Campers

Choose 1:50,000 when:

• the route extends beyond one small local area

• several days of travel must fit on fewer sheets

• broad terrain context matters

• the available 1:25,000 coverage is fragmented or unavailable

Four-Wheel Drivers

A WA Topo 50 sheet can help place:

• tracks

• roads

• waterways

• ridges

• reserves

• remote access routes

into regional context.

However, a topographic map is not a substitute for current road and access information.

A track appearing on the map may be:

• closed

• private

• overgrown

• washed out

• restricted

• unsuitable for the vehicle

Mining and Resources

The scale is often useful for:

• exploration areas

• local logistics

• access-route assessment

• environmental planning

• site relationships

• surrounding infrastructure

Environmental and Land Management

It is well suited to projects covering:

• large reserves

• forests

• catchments

• coastal systems

• agricultural districts

• regional habitat corridors

---

When to Choose 1:50,000 Instead of 1:25,000

Choose 1:50,000 when:

• one 1:25,000 sheet does not cover enough land

• detailed contours remain important

• the project crosses several local areas

• route continuity is more important than maximum feature density

• carrying numerous adjoining sheets would be impractical

For many professional and recreational applications, 1:50,000 provides the strongest compromise.

---

WA Topo 100: Choosing a 1:100,000 Map

Best for Broad Regional Coverage

At 1:100,000:

One centimetre on the map represents one kilometre on the ground.

Each WA Topo 100 sheet covers approximately:

• 30 minutes of longitude

• 30 minutes of latitude

• about 50 × 50 kilometres

The series uses a 20-metre contour interval and a standard sheet size of approximately 810 × 600 mm.

Browse:

• Western Australia 1:100,000 Topographic Maps

• WA Topo 100 Maps — Landgate Topographic Map Series

---

Who Should Choose WA Topo 100?

The 1:100,000 scale is well suited to:

• regional mining operations

• pastoral properties

• infrastructure projects

• environmental assessments

• emergency-service coordination

• regional four-wheel-drive planning

• research

• education

• broad land-management projects

Mining and Exploration

A 1:100,000 map provides broad context for:

• access roads

• settlements

• drainage

• major terrain features

• neighbouring leases and reserves

• regional infrastructure

• project logistics

Detailed project mapping or GIS data may still be required around an individual site.

Pastoral and Agricultural Management

The scale can be practical for:

• large properties

• access routes

• regional drainage

• nearby roads

• settlements

• tenure context

• emergency planning

Emergency Operations

A 1:100,000 map can support:

• regional coordination

• deployment planning

• route selection

• incident overview

• identifying major geographic barriers

Detailed sheets can then be added for the immediate operational area.

Remote Travel

The larger area shown on each sheet makes WA Topo 100 useful for understanding:

• the relationship between roads and tracks

• river and creek systems

• major ridges and plains

• isolation from towns and services

It should be paired with a current touring or four-wheel-drive map for:

• fuel

• campsites

• road conditions

• visitor information

• route classifications

---

When 1:100,000 Is Not Detailed Enough

A 1:100,000 map may be too broad for:

• detailed bushwalking

• off-track navigation

• small properties

• urban planning

• precise environmental sampling

• minor drainage interpretation

• detailed engineering work

In those situations, use 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 where coverage is available.

---

WA Topo 25 vs 50 vs 100

Feature	WA Topo 25	WA Topo 50	WA Topo 100
Scale	1:25,000	1:50,000	1:100,000
Ground distance per centimetre	250 m	500 m	1 km
Approximate area per sheet	14 × 12.5 km	25 × 25 km	50 × 50 km
Typical contours	5–10 m	10–20 m	20 m
Local terrain detail	Excellent	Very good	Regional
Number of sheets needed	Highest	Moderate	Lowest
Bushwalking	Excellent	Very good	Broad overview only
Property planning	Excellent for smaller areas	Strong for larger areas	Strong for very large properties
Mining	Local site context	Project-area context	Regional context
Emergency services	Detailed incident mapping	Operational mapping	Regional coordination
Four-wheel driving	Local track context	Strong regional context	Broad route context
Urban and peri-urban use	Strong	Less detailed	Usually too broad
Remote regional planning	Limited area	Useful	Strong

---

Why Coverage Varies by Scale

Western Australia does not have identical 1:25,000, 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 coverage everywhere.

The appropriate scale is influenced by:

• population

• development

• feature density

• terrain complexity

• economic activity

• mapping priorities

• practical sheet requirements

WA Topo 25 is concentrated around Perth, the South West and selected high-density areas.

WA Topo 50 and WA Topo 100 cover selected regional areas.

This means the first step is always to check the coverage index.

Your preferred scale may not exist for the exact destination.

Where this occurs, the solution may be to:

• choose the next available WA Topo scale;

• purchase several adjoining sheets;

• use national Geoscience Australia mapping;

• use an AUSTopo 1:250,000 sheet for broad coverage;

• obtain a custom GIS map for a specialised project.

Browse Mapworld’s broader Australian Topographic Maps collection for additional options.

---

What If My Location Is Near a Sheet Boundary?

A location can technically appear on one sheet while sitting very close to its edge.

This can leave important surrounding information on another map.

Consider the adjoining sheet if the boundary separates the destination from:

• the access road

• a walking route

• a creek system

• a property boundary

• an alternative evacuation route

• a nearby town

• a ridge or valley

• a project corridor

If the location lies near the corner of four map sheets, as many as four sheets may be required.

For safety-critical or professional use, never assume that the sheet containing the central point will provide all necessary coverage.

---

Understanding Map Scale in Practice

Map scale controls both distance and visible detail.

On a 1:25,000 Map

• 1 cm = 250 m

• 4 cm = 1 km

• 10 cm = 2.5 km

On a 1:50,000 Map

• 1 cm = 500 m

• 2 cm = 1 km

• 10 cm = 5 km

On a 1:100,000 Map

• 1 cm = 1 km

• 5 cm = 5 km

• 10 cm = 10 km

This matters when:

• measuring routes

• estimating walking distance

• plotting coordinates

• planning access

• comparing project extents

The scale remains accurate only when the map is printed at its intended dimensions.

Mapworld prints the Landgate sheets at approximately 810 × 600 mm, preserving their designed scale.

---

Contour Intervals Explained

Contour lines join points of equal elevation.

The contour interval is the vertical distance between neighbouring contour lines.

The modern WA series typically uses:

• 5–10 metre intervals at 1:25,000

• 10–20 metre intervals at 1:50,000

• 20-metre intervals at 1:100,000

Closely spaced contours normally indicate steep terrain.

Widely spaced contours indicate gentler slopes or flatter country.

Contour patterns can reveal:

• ridges

• valleys

• saddles

• escarpments

• hills

• drainage lines

• plateaus

The amount of contour detail visible decreases as the map scale becomes broader.

For detailed route assessment in steep country, use the largest available scale.

---

GDA2020, MGA and UTM

The modern WA Topo 25, 50 and 100 series use:

• GDA2020 as the geodetic datum;

• MGA coordinates;

• the UTM projection system.

GDA2020

GDA2020 is Australia’s modern national geocentric datum.

It provides the reference framework from which coordinates are measured.

MGA

The Map Grid of Australia expresses positions as eastings and northings within mapped grid zones.

UTM

Universal Transverse Mercator divides the world into zones so that geographic positions can be represented on a practical rectangular grid.

This information matters when combining the map with:

• GPS coordinates

• GIS data

• survey records

• field observations

• emergency-service information

• environmental samples

Always record the datum associated with a coordinate.

Coordinates based on older datums such as GDA94 or AGD66 may not plot in exactly the same position on a GDA2020 map.

---

Do Landgate Maps Show Property Boundaries?

The WA Topo maps can display cadastral and administrative information, including:

• lots

• reserves

• tenure boundaries

• land parcels

• regional boundaries

This information is useful for orientation and planning.

However, the map should not be treated as:

• a certificate of title

• a legal survey

• proof of ownership

• an authority to enter land

• confirmation of public road access

For legal boundary or ownership questions, consult current Landgate title, survey and cadastral records.

---

Roads and Tracks: An Important Warning

A road or track appearing on a topographic map does not guarantee that it is:

• open

• public

• maintained

• trafficable

• suitable for a two-wheel-drive vehicle

• suitable for a caravan

• unaffected by fire or flood

• accessible without permission

Western Australian access conditions can change due to:

• weather

• mining activity

• private land

• Aboriginal land

• pastoral operations

• park management

• track deterioration

• seasonal closure

• emergency restrictions

Use the map together with current advice from:

• Main Roads WA

• local government

• DBCA and park authorities

• police

• pastoral stations

• Traditional Owner organisations

• mining operators

• local visitor centres

A topographic map explains where a route is located.

It does not provide a live access report.

---

Choosing Paper, Waterproof or Laminated

Mapworld supplies each WA Topo series in three main finishes.

---

Standard Paper Maps

Paper is best for:

• general reference

• office work

• classrooms

• occasional field use

• carrying several sheets

• making permanent written notes

Mapworld’s paper editions are folded as standard.

Flat, unfolded maps can be requested for:

• framing

• drafting tables

• wall display

• technical projects

• archival storage

Advantages

• economical

• lightweight

• easy to annotate

• compact when folded

• suitable for carrying multiple sheets

Limitations

• vulnerable to water

• fold lines wear

• can tear in wind

• less suitable for repeated rugged use

---

Waterproof Tyvek® Maps

Tyvek is the best choice for demanding outdoor use.

It is:

• waterproof

• tear resistant

• lightweight

• foldable

• suitable for repeated handling

Choose waterproof Tyvek for:

• bushwalking

• mining fieldwork

• environmental surveys

• emergency services

• wet-season operations

• coastal work

• remote expeditions

• maps carried outside the vehicle

Tyvek is particularly valuable where the map may be exposed to:

• rain

• mud

• dust

• condensation

• repeated folding

• rough field conditions

---

Laminated Maps

Mapworld’s laminated WA Topo maps are fully encapsulated in two layers of 80-micron gloss laminate.

They provide:

• protection against water

• resistance to tearing and staining

• a write-on and wipe-clean surface

• compatibility with suitable whiteboard markers

• compatibility with Mapworld map dots

• excellent durability

Laminated maps are best for:

• operation centres

• property offices

• mine sites

• classrooms

• planning rooms

• emergency briefings

• repeated route marking

• wall reference

They are supplied rolled in protective tubes rather than folded.

---

Which Map Finish Should You Choose?

Purpose	Recommended finish
Day walk	Paper or waterproof Tyvek
Multi-day bushwalk	Waterproof Tyvek
Four-wheel-drive vehicle	Waterproof Tyvek
Mining field crew	Waterproof Tyvek or laminated
Environmental survey	Waterproof Tyvek
Property office	Laminated
Emergency operations room	Laminated
Classroom	Laminated
Framing or display	Flat paper
Carrying many adjoining sheets	Folded paper
Permanent field annotations	Paper
Repeated temporary marking	Laminated

---

How to Order WA Topographic Maps from Mapworld

Step 1: Choose the Series

Select:

• WA Topo 25

• WA Topo 50

• WA Topo 100

Step 2: Open the Relevant Map Index

Use the map-index link on the product page to identify the required:

• map name

• sheet number

• scale

Step 3: Check Adjoining Sheets

Confirm whether the route, property or operational area crosses the selected map boundary.

Step 4: Choose the Finish

Select:

• paper

• waterproof

• laminated

Step 5: Add the Map Details

When the cart panel opens, enter the map name and sheet number in the order notes.

Examples include:

• Perth 2034-2

• Kalgoorlie 3920-3

• Meekatharra 2446

Step 6: Request Help When Required

When the sheet cannot be identified confidently, provide Mapworld with:

• coordinates

• a location pin

• property name

• nearby road

• intended use

• preferred scale

Mapworld can then assist with locating the appropriate map.

---

Recommended Map Combinations

A single sheet may not provide every level of information required.

The strongest map kits combine broad and detailed mapping.

---

For Bushwalking Near Perth or in the South West

Carry:

• WA Topo 25 where available

• adjoining WA Topo 25 sheets

• waterproof Tyvek for exposed conditions

• compass

• offline digital mapping

• current park and track information

The 1:25,000 scale provides the strongest contour and terrain detail.

---

For a Longer Regional Walk

Carry:

• WA Topo 50 for broader route context

• WA Topo 25 for complex or critical sections

• waterproof map protection

• compass

• offline digital mapping

This avoids carrying an excessive number of detailed sheets while retaining closer mapping where it matters most.

---

For Four-Wheel Driving

Carry:

• regional touring or Hema map

• WA Topo 50 or WA Topo 100

• selected WA Topo 25 sheets for local areas

• offline GPS mapping

• current road and access reports

The touring map provides:

• fuel

• camping

• road classifications

• travel information

The topographic map provides:

• terrain

• watercourses

• tracks

• regional geography

---

For Mining and Exploration

Use:

• WA Topo 100 for regional context

• WA Topo 50 for project-area planning

• WA Topo 25 for detailed sites

• GIS data

• current cadastral and tenure information

• laminated base maps for operation centres

• waterproof maps for field teams

This creates a logical hierarchy from regional strategy to local fieldwork.

---

For Pastoral Properties

Use:

• WA Topo 100 for the entire district

• WA Topo 50 for property and access context

• WA Topo 25 where detailed coverage exists

• current cadastral information

• touring maps for service and transport planning

A laminated map can become a practical station-office reference for:

• roads

• tracks

• water

• infrastructure

• emergency planning

• access discussions

---

For Emergency Services

Use:

• WA Topo 100 for regional coordination

• WA Topo 50 for operational planning

• WA Topo 25 for incident-level detail

• laminated copies for briefings

• waterproof copies for field crews

• current digital information

The scales should work together rather than compete.

---

For Environmental Projects

Use:

• WA Topo 25 for detailed sampling and habitat areas

• WA Topo 50 for catchment or reserve context

• WA Topo 100 for regional assessment

• GIS data where precise analysis is required

• waterproof maps for field teams

• laminated maps for project offices

---

Topographic Maps vs Hema and Touring Maps

The correct product depends on the information required.

Choose a WA Topo Map When You Need:

• contours

• terrain

• coordinates

• cadastral context

• detailed drainage

• infrastructure

• grid references

• field-navigation information

Choose a Touring Map When You Need:

• road-trip planning

• fuel

• campsites

• attractions

• caravan information

• road classifications

• visitor facilities

Use Both When:

• travelling remotely

• driving off the main highways

• visiting national parks

• crossing pastoral country

• managing an expedition

• planning field access

The touring map explains the journey.

The topographic map explains the land around it.

---

When to Consider AUSTopo 1:250,000

Some parts of remote Western Australia may not have modern Landgate coverage at the desired detailed scale.

For broad regional coverage, the national AUSTopo 1:250,000 series can be extremely useful.

At 1:250,000:

• one centimetre represents 2.5 kilometres

• each sheet covers a much larger area

• fewer sheets are needed

• terrain and major infrastructure remain visible

AUSTopo is appropriate for:

• remote-area overview

• regional planning

• long-distance travel

• strategic emergency management

• mining and exploration context

• cross-border projects

It is not normally detailed enough for precise bushwalking or local property work.

Browse AUSTopo 1:250,000 Maps or the complete Australian Topographic Maps collection.

---

A Simple WA Topographic Map Decision Guide

Do you need maximum local detail?

Choose WA Topo 25.

Best for:

• bushwalking

• properties

• local fieldwork

• incident response

• complex terrain

Do you need detailed mapping across a broader area?

Choose WA Topo 50.

Best for:

• regional fieldwork

• camping

• environmental projects

• larger properties

• four-wheel-drive context

Do you need wide regional coverage?

Choose WA Topo 100.

Best for:

• mining

• pastoral work

• regional planning

• emergency coordination

• remote travel context

Is the preferred scale unavailable?

Check:

• the next broader WA Topo series;

• AUSTopo 1:250,000;

• Geoscience Australia mapping;

• a custom GIS map.

Is the location near a map edge?

Order the adjoining sheet.

Will the map be used outdoors?

Choose waterproof Tyvek.

Will the map be marked repeatedly?

Choose laminated.

Will the map be framed or stored flat?

Request flat paper.

---

Why Buy Western Australian Topographic Maps from Mapworld?

Mapworld developed from Australia’s largest physical chain of specialist map shops into Australia’s largest online map shop.

Topographic mapping has remained one of its principal specialities throughout that transition.

Mapworld supplies:

• Landgate WA Topo 25 maps

• Landgate WA Topo 50 maps

• Landgate WA Topo 100 maps

• Geoscience Australia maps

• AUSTopo maps

• paper topographic maps

• waterproof Tyvek maps

• laminated operational maps

Mapworld can also assist with:

• identifying the correct sheet

• interpreting the map index

• checking adjoining coverage

• selecting the appropriate scale

• choosing the most suitable physical format

• producing flat maps for technical or wall use

A general printer can reproduce a file.

A specialist map retailer helps determine whether it is the correct map in the first place.

Browse the principal collections:

• Western Australia 1:25,000 Topographic Maps

• Western Australia 1:50,000 Topographic Maps

• Western Australia 1:100,000 Topographic Maps

---

Final Thoughts

Choosing a Western Australian topographic map comes down to five questions:

1. Where is the location?

2. What will the map be used for?

3. How much detail is required?

4. How much land must fit on one sheet?

5. Which physical format suits the environment?

Choose WA Topo 25 when detail is the priority.

Choose WA Topo 50 when detail and broader coverage must be balanced.

Choose WA Topo 100 when the project or journey extends across a large regional area.

Then use the Landgate index to identify the complete sheet name and number.

Check every boundary.

Add adjoining maps where necessary.

Choose paper for general use, Tyvek for demanding field conditions and lamination for repeated planning and operational reference.

Western Australia’s size makes scale selection especially important.

A single map can show a walking area in remarkable detail.

Another can show an entire regional operation.

Neither is inherently better.

The right map is the one that shows the required land at the most useful scale.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best topographic-map scale for Western Australia?

The best scale depends on the task. Use 1:25,000 for detailed local mapping, 1:50,000 for a balance of detail and coverage, and 1:100,000 for broad regional work.

Is 1:25,000 more detailed than 1:100,000?

Yes. A 1:25,000 map is four times more detailed in linear scale than a 1:100,000 map, but it covers a much smaller area.

What does 1:25,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 250 metres on the ground.

What does 1:50,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents 500 metres on the ground.

What does 1:100,000 mean?

One centimetre on the map represents one kilometre on the ground.

Which WA topographic map is best for bushwalking?

WA Topo 25 is generally the strongest choice where coverage is available. WA Topo 50 may be more practical for longer routes.

Which map is best for four-wheel driving?

Use WA Topo 50 or WA Topo 100 for terrain and regional context, together with a current Hema or touring map and live road-condition information.

Which map is best for mining and exploration?

Use WA Topo 100 for regional context, WA Topo 50 for the project area and WA Topo 25 for detailed sites where available.

Which map is best for a pastoral property?

WA Topo 50 or WA Topo 100 is normally the most practical starting point for a large property. Add detailed sheets where required.

Does WA Topo 25 cover all Western Australia?

No. It principally covers Perth, the South West and selected high-feature-density areas elsewhere in the state.

Does WA Topo 50 cover all Western Australia?

WA Topo 50 is available for selected areas. Check the coverage index before ordering.

Does WA Topo 100 cover all Western Australia?

WA Topo 100 covers selected regional areas. Broader AUSTopo or Geoscience Australia mapping may be needed elsewhere.

How do I find the correct map sheet?

Use the Landgate map index linked from the Mapworld product page. Search by location or coordinates and record the complete sheet name and number.

Why can’t I find my location in the map title?

A topographic sheet is usually named after one prominent place or feature. Your destination may be shown on a sheet carrying another name.

Do I need adjoining sheets?

Yes, when a route, property or project crosses a sheet boundary or lies close to the edge.

What size are the modern Landgate maps?

WA Topo 25, WA Topo 50 and WA Topo 100 sheets are approximately 810 × 600 mm.

What datum do the current Landgate maps use?

The modern series uses GDA2020 with MGA coordinates and a UTM projection.

Do the maps show property boundaries?

They may show cadastral and tenure information, but they are not legal surveys or certificates of title.

Are tracks shown on the map open to the public?

Not necessarily. Always confirm current access, ownership, closures and road conditions.

Should I choose paper or waterproof?

Choose paper for general reference and waterproof Tyvek for bushwalking, fieldwork and harsh outdoor conditions.

What is the benefit of lamination?

Lamination protects the map and allows repeated marking with suitable whiteboard pens. It is ideal for planning rooms, offices and operational briefings.

Can Mapworld supply maps flat rather than folded?

Yes. Paper maps are folded as standard, but flat versions are available on request.

Where can I buy Landgate topographic maps online?

Mapworld supplies WA Topo 25, WA Topo 50 and WA Topo 100 maps in paper, waterproof and laminated formats with Australia-wide delivery.

Written by Christopher O’Keeffe
Managing Director of Mapworld and specialist in maps, navigation and cartographic products.

Share:

---

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Map Guides, Travel Tips & Reviews