Adobe Acrobat Reader has supported layers since version 6. This provides a universal format for viewing GIS layers without having to install a GIS program. To turn layers on and off, access the Navigation Panel Layers tool. Note: Google Chrome uses its own pdf reader that does not support layers. Right-click and save the pdf for opening in Acrobat Reader. Although not used by Acrobat, georeferencing meta data can be embedded in the pdf format to allow GIS programs to place a Geospatial PDF in its correct location. This can be useful in the field with GIS aware pdf viewers for smart phones (Avenza PDF Maps). KML paths can also be loaded in Google Earth and other GIS programs on smart phones or GPS units. USGS is now releasing current and historic topo maps in GeoPDF format. You can download these maps from the USGS Store by using Map Locator to search for a location and then clicking on the red placemark to see the available downloads. For additional map related features for TerraGo supported pdfs, you can download and install the free TerraGo Toolbar for Acrobat. |
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| The following Geospatial PDF files were created with Global Mapper to illustrate the use of GIS layers to trace abandoned right-of-ways and other geographic & historic features. Use the layer tool in Acrobat to turn individual layers on and off. The geographic accuracy of the layers varies, so the right-of-way path is my best guess as to actual geographic location, even if it does not quite match with a specific layer. In many cases, I have not had the opportunity to check this information in the field, so actual locations could be off. Please contact me, if you have addition information that might improve their accuracy. Digital Elevation Model data and Topo maps courtesy of the USGS. Early Topo maps courtesy of Cleveland Public Library and other sources. Historic aerial photos courtesy of Pennsylvania Goeological Survey and Cleveland Public Library. Parcel information provided by the respective County GIS departments. KML/KMZ files can be opened in Google Earth. | |
Connellsville-Uniontown PA area West Penn Interuban (purple) and railroad (PRR-red, B&O-blue) overlays. Draft 3 with minor corrections |
USGS 2010 Topo (PDF 5.8MB) USGS Digital Elevation Model (12.5MB) Penn Pilot 1939 Aerials (7.4MB)- georeferenced but NOT orthorectified. Exact location may be off because of changes in elevation. |
Pittsburgh Railways Company |
PittsburghRyCoDEM_DRAFT14 (PDF 13MB) note: this map is intended for a new book on the Pittsburgh Railways Co. by Blaine Hays and Jim Toman, to be published by CERA in late 2012. Google Maps KML (shared by railsandtrails.com) |
Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler & New Castle Railway (Harmony Electric Route) For more information: |
Warrendale/Criders Corners area (PDF 7.5MB) Ross Township, Renfer Bridge area (PDF 8MB) KML path of the right-of-way (in development, not complete) |
| Lewistown, PA location of PRRH&TS Archives |
Lewistown Area Railroads DEM Draft 12/3/11 (PDF 9MB) Lewistown Area 1938 Aerials (from Pennpilot) (PDF 12MB) |
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Berea and Olmsted Falls area (PDF 15MB) |
| Holden Arboretum & Stebbins Gulch |
Holden Arboretum (PDF 12MB) 2' Contours (12MB KMZ) DEM & 1953 Topo (KML) |
| University Circle 1914 | Hopkins1914 (PDF 4MB - T) |
| Shaker Lakes 1914 | Hopkins 1914(PDF 4MB) |
GeoPDF PA 15': Allentown 1894 1939 1957 West 1902 1942 1957