Are there geologic maps or publications for where I live?
Detailed geologic mapping has not been completed for the entire United States, but maps are available for most locations.
- Geologic maps at many scales and from many sources are listed in the National Geologic Map Database.
- Some geologic maps can be purchased in hard copy through the USGS Store.
- Download digital geologic maps for entire states from the USGS Mineral Resources Online Geospatial Data (MRDATA) website. Scroll down to the "Geologic Data" section.
- Contact your state geological survey. Many state geological surveys have detailed maps that can be downloaded or purchased.
- Another USGS source for publications about a specific area is the USGS Publications Warehouse. Try searching on place names, county names, and (if you know it) topographic quadrangle names, as USGS data is often referenced to those localities.
- Your public library might also have good resources.
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How are U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps named?
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What is the National Geologic Map Database?
What are the earthquake hazards/risks where I live?
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB)
The U.S. National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) serves as the authoritative, comprehensive resource for information about paper and digital geoscience maps and reports on the Nation's geology and stratigraphy, by all publishers.
Publications Warehouse
Gain access to over 100,000 publications written by USGS scientists over the century-plus history of the bureau.
Mineral Resources On-Line Spatial Data
Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Mineral Resources.
Geologic map of the greater Portland metropolitan area and surrounding region, Oregon and Washington
The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Area (metro area) has great scenic, natural, and cultural resources and is the major economic hub of Oregon. The metro area is subject to a variety of geologic hazards. Underthrusting of the oceanic plate along the Cascadia plate boundary fault, or megathrust, deforms the leading edge of North America...
Wells, Ray; Haugerud, Ralph A.; Niem, Alan R.; Niem, Wendy A.; Ma, Lina; Evarts, Russell C.; O'Connor, Jim E.; Madin, Ian P.; Sherrod, David R.; Beeson, Marvin H.; Tolan, Terry L.; Wheeler, Karen L.; Hanson, William B.; Sawlan, Michael G.
U.S. Geological Survey STATEMAP Program—Geologic mapping for the public good
As of 2020, STATEMAP has invested more than $150 million in 48 State geological surveys, matched dollar for dollar, to complete geologic mapping projects crucial to the health and security of State natural resources and residents. For more information about STATEMAP and other geologic mapping efforts supported by the National Cooperative Geologic...
Ackerman, Abby; McPhee, Darcy K.
Alaska geology revealed
This map shows the generalized geology of Alaska, which helps us to understand where potential mineral deposits and energy resources might be found, define ecosystems, and ultimately, teach us about the earth history of the State. Rock units are grouped in very broad categories on the basis of age and general rock type. A much more detailed and...
Wilson, Frederic H.; Labay, Keith A.
A tapestry of time and terrain
Vigil, J.F.; Pike, R.J.; Howell, D.G.
Societal value of geologic maps
Bernknopf, Richard L.; Brookshire, D.S.; Soller, D.R.; McKee, M.J.; Sutter, J.F.; Matti, J.C.; Campbell, R.H.
Geologic maps : Portraits of the Earth
The picture above is a portrait of many square miles of the Earth's surface. The purpose of this leaflet is to explain how this portrait was made, how it can tell us about what lies beneath the surface of the ground, and other ways in which it can be useful to mankind.
White, Walter S.
Stitching Together the New Digital Geologic Quilt of the United States
A carbonatite here, a glacial moraine there, a zig-zagging fault or two, even a behemoth of a batholith. The geology of the 50 States is an enormous patchwork of varied forms, beautiful in their variance but challenging to present as a single map.
First Ever Digital Geologic Map of Alaska Published
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A new digital geologic map of Alaska is being released today providing land users, managers and scientists geologic information for the evaluation of land use in relation to resource extraction, conservation, natural hazards and recreation.
Tapestry of Time and Terrain Not Just Another Map
By combining techniques developed by Leonardo da Vinci with today’s computer applications, an artist and two scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., have produced one of the most dramatic and beautiful maps of the United States, ever published.
Scientist recording information about a geological formation
Geologic map of the conterminous United States
Geologic map of the conterminous United States at 1:2,500,000 scale.
Geologic Map of North America
This map was produced from Geographic Information System (GIS) files prepared by the USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB). The GMNA Resources Site has the geospatial files, map images, publication documentation, and informational resources.
The
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Detail of the Geologic Map of Big Bend National Park
Zoomed in detail of the Geologic Map of Big Bend National Park
State Geologic Maps
Image shows a geologic map of the Lower 48
Alaska Geologic Map shows the generalized geology of the state
The Alaska Geologic Map shows the generalized geology of the state, each color representing a different type or age of rock, from USGS Scientific Investigations Map 3340 - Geologic map of Alaska.
National Geologic Map
Screenshot of geologic map viewer