Topographic Map Resources for Teachers

Introduction:

This directory level site includes links to various resources on topographic maps, how to obtain them, read them, their history, and map projections and includes links to various teaching activities and modules. It is the one-stop shop for learning about, using, and teaching topographic map concepts.

Objectives:

• Topographic map information
• Map projections
• map reading
• Topographic teaching resources

Instructions:

USGS Resources for Working with Topographic Maps

Downloading and Purchasing USGS Topographic Maps

Download free digital topographic maps in a GeoPDF format by going to the USGS Store and clicking on "Map Locator & Downloader". Users have the option of selecting two different kinds of topographic maps. Both can be downloaded in a digital format for free or ordered as a paper product:

• US Topo Maps - The same 7.5-minute quadrangles as our historical topographic maps, but generated entirely by computer. Updated every three years, these maps have different layers that can be turned on and off.
• "Historical" topographic maps - These are high-resolution scans (400 ppi to 508 ppi) of existing paper maps. They are available at all scales and in all editions.

To browse popular thematic maps, go to the USGS Store and click on "Education Products"

Questions? Need help? Call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) or submit your question online.

What's New?

• US Topo: Maps for America

• Historical Topographic Maps - Preserving the Past

• Alaska Mapping Initiative

History

• Topographic Mapping (historical reference)
• A History of Topographic Mapping and GIS in the U.S. Geological Survey
• History of the [USGS] Topographic Branch
• Historical Photographs of Mappers at Work

Interpreting Topographic Maps

• Topographic Map Symbols
• Map Scales
• Topographic Map Margins Information for Educators
• Map Margin Information (convenient, abbreviated version of the above)
• Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Features
• Geographic Names
• Elevations and Distances in the United States (historical reference)

Coordinates, Datums, and Projections

• UTM Coordinates
• State Plane Coordinate System
• Public Land Survey System
• Principal Meridians and Base Lines
• Datum Shifts and Map Coordinate Displays
• NOAA YouTube videos about Datums (not a USGS product)
• Map Projections: A Working Manual - Companion Plate 1
• Map Projections Poster (order a free hard copy from the USGS Store)
• Map Projections (document version of above poster; designed for the classroom)

Using Topographic Maps

• Finding Your Way with a Map and Compass
• How To Use a Compass with a USGS Topographic Map
• Magnetic monitoring of Earth and space
• What is Magnetic Declination? USGS FAQ

Lessons and Activities

• 27 Ideas for Teaching with Topographic Maps
• Topo Salad Tray Model: a 3-D Classroom Project
• Map Mysteries
• Corn Maze Geography
• Map Adventures (Grades K-3)
• What Do Maps Show? (Grades 5-8)
• Exploring Maps (Grades 7-12)
• Topographic Map Margin Information for Educators
• Teaching About and Using Coordinate Systems