Maps and Mapping
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
What types of elevation datasets are available, what formats do they come in, and where can I download them?
What is a Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ) or an orthoimage?
The USGS provides the mapping and digital geospatial foundation for the Nation.
What is the State Plane Coordinate System? Can GPS provide coordinates in these values?
The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which is only used in the United States, is a plane coordinate system (north-south and east-west lines are perpendicular) in which each individual state has between one to six zones, depending on the state's size and shape. This coordinate system’s high level of accuracy is achieved through the use of relatively small zones. The State Plane Coordinate...
How can I find survey benchmark and triangulation station information?
Most survey marks were set by the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey (now called the National Geodetic Survey ); information for those marks is available online . For further assistance, contact the National Geodetic Survey at 301-713-3242 or ngs.infocenter@noaa.gov. For information about marks set by the USGS, contact the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center at tnm_help@usgs.gov . Learn more...
How are different map projections used?
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. A flat map can show one or more--but never all--of the following: True directions True distances...
How are UTM coordinates measured on USGS topographic maps?
The UTM ( Universal Transverse Mercator ) coordinate system divides the world into sixty north-south zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide. UTM zones are numbered consecutively beginning with Zone 1, which includes the westernmost point of Alaska, and progress eastward to Zone 19, which includes Maine. If UTM ticks are shown on a USGS topographic map, the zone is indicated in the credit legend...
Are all Forest Service maps available from the USGS?
Paper copies of all Forest Service maps--including Forest Visitor Maps, National Forest Atlases, and Wilderness Maps--are sold through the online USGS Store, though they might not always be in stock. Paper maps are also available for purchase at some Forest Service offices and at some retail outlets. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of...
Are the scanned aerial photographic images georectified?
Scans of traditional aerial photography film products (air photos) are not georectified . The USGS does, however, offer several orthoimagery (georectified aerial photograph) products: Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ) High Resolution Orthoimagery (HRO) National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP, NAIP Plus) NAIP orthoimagery has been collected for the entire conterminous United States every 3...
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
Are trails and/or symbols clearly shown on U.S. Forest Service maps? Where is the legend?
Trails and symbols are clearly shown on USDA Forest Service maps. A comprehensive legend appears on each map. Since each map is unique, placement of the legend and symbolization might vary from map to map. Order paper maps for individual national forests using the online USGS Store . Enter the name of the forest in the search window at the top of the website or in the Find a Map section, or select...
How do USDA Forest Service maps differ from USGS topographic maps?
USDA Forest Service Visitor Maps are at a smaller scale (they show a larger area but less detail) than standard 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) USGS topographic maps. Unlike USGS topographic maps, Forest Service Visitor maps typically do not show elevation contours. U.S. Forest Service Visitor Maps include recreational information about camping, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities. They...
When would I use USDA Forest Service maps?
USDA Forest Service Visitor Maps are best used to view an entire National Forest. They are great for driving through or planning a trip to the forest and for showing recreational sites, campgrounds, public information sites, and other attractions in the forest. Forest Service Wilderness Maps are topographic maps that show natural features such as mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and...
Will US Topo maps become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection when a newer version is published?
Superseded US Topo maps will remain available for download, but will not become part of the Historical Topographic Map Collection , which is scans of USGS topographic quadrangles originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006. The first US Topo maps were published in 2009. They are updated and superseded every 3 years (maps for one third of the country are produced every year). This...
When was the 1:24,000-scale topographic map series for the United States and its territories completed?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was created in 1879 and published it’s first topographic map in 1882. Systematic topographic mapping was authorized by Congress in 1884. Although 1:24,000-scale topographic maps were produced by the USGS as early as 1904, a formal program to provide primary topographic map coverage at that scale for the entire conterminous United States did not begin until 1947...