In the third edition (2nd ed. - 1979) the features of topographic maps and plans, their purpose, geographical content, theoretical foundations and methods of topographic decoding of aerial photographs, issues of methodology and technology for creating and updating topographic maps based on aerial photography materials are considered. New types of topographic maps are shown, information about foreign topographic maps is given. The specifics of decoding aerial photographs when creating large-scale maps and plans are presented, the features of space images and the direction of their use in topographic mapping are highlighted. Reflects the latest data on updating and editing topographic maps. For students of cartographic specialties of universities.