Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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: 

Related Content

link
small excerpt of Yosemite Valley topographic map in shades of green and brown

Can I still get the older topographic maps?

Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...

link

Can I still get the older topographic maps?

Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...

Learn More
link
Little River Gorge quadrangle, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?

All topographic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are in the public domain and are not copyrighted except for the following three cases that apply only to US Topo maps (produced 2009-present): Most maps in the period 2010-2016 contain commercially licensed road data (see note below). Orthoimages in Alaska are commercially licensed. Orthoimages in Hawaii were commercially licensed...

link

Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?

All topographic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are in the public domain and are not copyrighted except for the following three cases that apply only to US Topo maps (produced 2009-present): Most maps in the period 2010-2016 contain commercially licensed road data (see note below). Orthoimages in Alaska are commercially licensed. Orthoimages in Hawaii were commercially licensed...

Learn More
link
3D Rendering of part of Grand Tetons National Park

How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?

The National Map’s  Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source...

link

How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?

The National Map’s  Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source...

Learn More
link
Alaska IfSAR Elevation Image

What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)?

Projection:  3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product: 1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected. They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). 5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area. 1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs –...

link

What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)?

Projection:  3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product: 1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected. They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). 5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area. 1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs –...

Learn More
Hampton Roads Benchmark Monitoring: Occupying a Benchmark
link
Hampton Roads Benchmark Monitoring: Occupying a Benchmark
Image shows a silver benchmark set in concrete
link
USGS National Center Benchmark
Image: Bryce Canyon Benchmark
link
Bryce Canyon Benchmark
link
PubTalk 11/2004 — From Plane Tables to Pixels

US Topo Product Standard

This document defines a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital topographic map. This map product series, named “US Topo,” is modeled on the now historical USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic map series produced and printed by the USGS from 1947 to 2006. US Topo maps have the same extent, scale, and general layout as the historical topographic maps. US Topo maps incorporate an orthorectifie
Authors
Larry R. Davis, Kristin A. Fishburn, Helmut Lestinsky, Laurence R. Moore, Jennifer L. Walter
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

The National Map seamless digital elevation model specifications

This specification documents the requirements and standards used to produce the seamless elevation layers for The National Map of the United States. Seamless elevation data are available for the conterminous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. territories, in three different resolutions—1/3-arc-second, 1-arc-second, and 2-arc-second. These specifications include requirements and standards
Authors
Christy-Ann M. Archuleta, Eric W. Constance, Samantha T. Arundel, Amanda J. Lowe, Kimberly S. Mantey, Lori A. Phillips
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

Scanning and georeferencing historical USGS quadrangles

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program is scanning published USGS 1:250,000-scale and larger topographic maps printed between 1884, the inception of the topographic mapping program, and 2006. The goal of this project, which began publishing the Historical Topographic Map Collection in 2011, is to provide access to a digital repository of USGS topographic maps that is availab
Authors
Kristin A. Fishburn, Larry R. Davis, Gregory J. Allord
By
National Geospatial Program

History of the topographic branch (division)

From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by early explor
Authors
Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
By
National Geospatial Program

Finding Your Way with Map and Compass

A topographic map tells you where things are and how to get to them, whether you're hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or just interested in the world around you. These maps describe the shape of the land. They define and locate natural and manmade features like woodlands, waterways, important buildings, and bridges. They show the distance between any two places, and they also show the direction fr
Authors

Maps for America: cartographic products of the U.S. Geological Survey and others

"Maps for America" was originally published in 1979 as a Centennial Volume commemorating the Geological Survey's hundred years of service (1879 - 1979) in the earth sciences. It was an eminently fitting Centennial Year publication, for, since its establishment, the Geological Survey has continuously carried on an extensive program of mapping to provide knowledge of the topography, geology, hydrolo
Authors
Morris M. Thompson

Topographic instructions of the United States Geological Survey. Introduction

No abstract available.
Authors
Claude Hale Birdseye
link

New Land Cover Maps Depict 15 Years of Change across America

Today, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released the latest edition of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for the U.S. – the most comprehensive...

Read Article
link

USGS 3DEP Lidar Point Cloud Now Available as Amazon Public Dataset

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is excited to announce the availability of a new way to access and process lidar point cloud data from the 3DEP...

Read Article
link

Mapping Public Lands in the United States

The Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) is the official inventory of public parks and other protected areas in all U.S. states and...

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    small excerpt of Yosemite Valley topographic map in shades of green and brown

    Can I still get the older topographic maps?

    Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...

    link

    Can I still get the older topographic maps?

    Yes. Topographic maps originally published as paper documents between 1884-2006 have been scanned and published as the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection. Download our historical topographic maps and our more current US Topo maps (published 2009-present) free of charge using TopoView (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, JPEG, and KMZ formats) or using the USGS Store’s Map Locator (GeoPDF format). Order paper...

    Learn More
    link
    Little River Gorge quadrangle, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

    Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?

    All topographic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are in the public domain and are not copyrighted except for the following three cases that apply only to US Topo maps (produced 2009-present): Most maps in the period 2010-2016 contain commercially licensed road data (see note below). Orthoimages in Alaska are commercially licensed. Orthoimages in Hawaii were commercially licensed...

    link

    Are USGS topographic maps copyrighted?

    All topographic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are in the public domain and are not copyrighted except for the following three cases that apply only to US Topo maps (produced 2009-present): Most maps in the period 2010-2016 contain commercially licensed road data (see note below). Orthoimages in Alaska are commercially licensed. Orthoimages in Hawaii were commercially licensed...

    Learn More
    link
    3D Rendering of part of Grand Tetons National Park

    How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?

    The National Map’s  Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source...

    link

    How accurate are elevations generated by the Elevation Point Query Service in The National Map?

    The National Map’s  Elevation Point Query Service (EPQS) returns elevations that are interpolated from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service. This is a web coverage service (WCS) that includes multiple resolutions of DEMs including 1 meter resolution lidar-based DEMs where available, and 1/3 arc-second seamless DEMs. The accuracy of the elevations returned by EPQS will vary according to the source...

    Learn More
    link
    Alaska IfSAR Elevation Image

    What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)?

    Projection:  3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product: 1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected. They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). 5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area. 1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs –...

    link

    What is the projection, horizontal datum, vertical datum, and resolution for a USGS digital elevation model (DEM)?

    Projection:  3DEP DEMS have different projections/coordinate systems depending on the product: 1/3-, 1-, and 2-arc-second (also the discontinued 1/9-arc-second) DEMs are not projected. They are all in geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude). 5-meter DEMs (Alaska only) are Alaska Albers Equal Area. 1-meter DEMs are in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). Original Product Resolution (OPR) DEMs –...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    Hampton Roads Benchmark Monitoring: Occupying a Benchmark
    link
    Hampton Roads Benchmark Monitoring: Occupying a Benchmark
    Image shows a silver benchmark set in concrete
    link
    USGS National Center Benchmark
    Image: Bryce Canyon Benchmark
    link
    Bryce Canyon Benchmark
    link
    PubTalk 11/2004 — From Plane Tables to Pixels
  • Publications

    US Topo Product Standard

    This document defines a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) digital topographic map. This map product series, named “US Topo,” is modeled on the now historical USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic map series produced and printed by the USGS from 1947 to 2006. US Topo maps have the same extent, scale, and general layout as the historical topographic maps. US Topo maps incorporate an orthorectifie
    Authors
    Larry R. Davis, Kristin A. Fishburn, Helmut Lestinsky, Laurence R. Moore, Jennifer L. Walter
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

    The National Map seamless digital elevation model specifications

    This specification documents the requirements and standards used to produce the seamless elevation layers for The National Map of the United States. Seamless elevation data are available for the conterminous United States, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. territories, in three different resolutions—1/3-arc-second, 1-arc-second, and 2-arc-second. These specifications include requirements and standards
    Authors
    Christy-Ann M. Archuleta, Eric W. Constance, Samantha T. Arundel, Amanda J. Lowe, Kimberly S. Mantey, Lori A. Phillips
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS), National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, NGP Standards and Specifications

    Scanning and georeferencing historical USGS quadrangles

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program is scanning published USGS 1:250,000-scale and larger topographic maps printed between 1884, the inception of the topographic mapping program, and 2006. The goal of this project, which began publishing the Historical Topographic Map Collection in 2011, is to provide access to a digital repository of USGS topographic maps that is availab
    Authors
    Kristin A. Fishburn, Larry R. Davis, Gregory J. Allord
    By
    National Geospatial Program

    History of the topographic branch (division)

    From a very early period of the world's existence, man has endeavored to represent the earth's surface in a graphic form for the information of his fellow men, realizing that no oral or written description is capable of setting forth topographic facts so vividly and so clearly as a map. Mapping of the areas of the United States began with the charting of portions of its coast line by early explor
    Authors
    Richard T. Evans, Helen M. Frye
    By
    National Geospatial Program

    Finding Your Way with Map and Compass

    A topographic map tells you where things are and how to get to them, whether you're hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or just interested in the world around you. These maps describe the shape of the land. They define and locate natural and manmade features like woodlands, waterways, important buildings, and bridges. They show the distance between any two places, and they also show the direction fr
    Authors

    Maps for America: cartographic products of the U.S. Geological Survey and others

    "Maps for America" was originally published in 1979 as a Centennial Volume commemorating the Geological Survey's hundred years of service (1879 - 1979) in the earth sciences. It was an eminently fitting Centennial Year publication, for, since its establishment, the Geological Survey has continuously carried on an extensive program of mapping to provide knowledge of the topography, geology, hydrolo
    Authors
    Morris M. Thompson

    Topographic instructions of the United States Geological Survey. Introduction

    No abstract available.
    Authors
    Claude Hale Birdseye
  • News
    link

    New Land Cover Maps Depict 15 Years of Change across America

    Today, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released the latest edition of the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) for the U.S. – the most comprehensive...

    Read Article
    link

    USGS 3DEP Lidar Point Cloud Now Available as Amazon Public Dataset

    The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is excited to announce the availability of a new way to access and process lidar point cloud data from the 3DEP...

    Read Article
    link

    Mapping Public Lands in the United States

    The Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) is the official inventory of public parks and other protected areas in all U.S. states and...

    Read Article