Abstract: On the basis of analysing main sources of topographic map errors, some sample to-pographic maps published at 1:100000, 1:200000, 1:500000 and 1:1000000 scalesare measured, and a method which evaluates accuracy of topographic maps is proposed,the accuracies for topographic map series are discussed according to map details, forexample, graticule intersections, river and road crosses, central points of settlements,etc. Finally, some recommendations for the planimetric accuracy standards are suggestedfor national topographic map series at medium and small scales.