Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Maps and Mapping

The USGS has over a century of experience mapping the landscapes of the United States and continues to provide accurate maps and related information. USGS products can be found online or purchased from the USGS Store.

Maps and mapping can take many forms. Maps can be overhead renderings of a landscape created to help communicate earth’s surface features or digital geologic maps showing what is under our feet in 3D. Mapping is done from the sea floor with autonomous submersibles to space with satellites.

Here, information can be found on topics including The USGS National Map, national datasets used to build The National Map which are available to the public (3DEP and Landsat for example), and the mapping of our environment and natural resources by USGS scientists. There is also historic and contemporary information about how data is collected and how maps are made.

Want to learn more about USGS mapping activities and products?

Check out our topical pages below!

Mapping 101

Mapping 101

Mapping the Water Around Us

Mapping the Water Around Us

Mapping the Life Around Us

Mapping the Life Around Us

Navigating The National Map

Navigating The National Map

Mapping What’s Under Our Feet

Mapping What’s Under Our Feet

Methods for Map Making

Methods for Map Making

Was this page helpful?