The methodological role of topographic maps for evaluation of ecological state of land areas is shown. Conceptual model for the ecological content of topographic maps is proposed and grounded. The topographic maps content is considered as integrated system of interconnected components (classes of objects), which represents almost all geographical layers. Each class is a system of lower level. The basic system features – composition, structure, dynamics, main components and its functions (environmental protection, resource, environmental regulatory and etc.) – are described. Ecological interpretation of topographic maps could be achieved by the cartographic method of research, which includes deriving of object (processes, phenomena) parameters from topographic maps in different ways, including transformations, calculations, map measuring, morphometric, new maps creation and others.The importance of the concept for integrated method of component-based ecological diagnostics is highlighted. The aim of this concept is identification of current and forecasted problems of the researched territory.