The rocks and minerals that make up the earth tell an important story and are valuable resources. Geologic mapping helps us understand the story and measure the resources under our feet.
The USGS has been working hard to map the rocks and sediments (geology!) of the U.S. since its beginning in 1879. At that time, the only way we had to identify and record rock and sediment types was to walk the hills and valleys taking notes and drawing pictures of what we saw. Learning to draw landscapes was actually an important skill for geologist. Today we have many tools that make the job easier and the maps better.
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program
Introduction to Geologic Mapping
A Brief History of Geologic Mapping in the USGS
Geologic Maps
USGS partners with state geologic surveys to update and improve our geologic maps. State geologists around the country contribute local knowledge and expertise needed to build the The National Geologic Map Database.
National Geologic Map Database
Geoscience Map Catalog
Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex)
Geologic Map Standards
Mapping Critical Resources
The USGS is currently updating maps of critical mineral deposits within the United States. This effort is helping to identify resources that can be used to build important tools like wind turbines, solar panels, and generators that help us respond to and be prepared for our changing climate.
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Earth MRI Acquisitions Tool
Earth MRI Surveys
Topographic Elevation Data
USGS and its partners are acquiring nationwide lidar (IfSAR in AK) to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution topographic elevation data. Lidar provides 3D information of the Earth's surface including, terrain, vegetation characteristics and human-made features, enabling production of mapping products.
Groundwater Maps
USGS also monitors groundwater! Here are some tools to access USG Groundwater maps and related data.
Principal Aquifers Maps
National Groundwater Monitoring Network
U.S. Groundwater Conditions
Geology Around Us
We produce maps for our land management and emergency response partners. We also produce event and risk hazard maps for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Geology of National Parks
Latest Earthquakes Map
Volcanic Maps
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
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...
What is the National Geologic Map Database?
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is an archive of geoscience maps (including geology maps), reports, and stratigraphic information for the United States. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies. Much of the content...
- Overview
The USGS has been working hard to map the rocks and sediments (geology!) of the U.S. since its beginning in 1879. At that time, the only way we had to identify and record rock and sediment types was to walk the hills and valleys taking notes and drawing pictures of what we saw. Learning to draw landscapes was actually an important skill for geologist. Today we have many tools that make the job easier and the maps better.
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping ProgramNational Cooperative Geologic Mapping ProgramIntroduction to Geologic MappingIntroduction to Geologic MappingA Brief History of Geologic Mapping in the USGSA Brief History of Geologic Mapping in the USGSGeologic Maps
USGS partners with state geologic surveys to update and improve our geologic maps. State geologists around the country contribute local knowledge and expertise needed to build the The National Geologic Map Database.
National Geologic Map DatabaseNational Geologic Map DatabaseGeoscience Map CatalogGeoscience Map CatalogGeologic Names Lexicon (Geolex)Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex)Geologic Map StandardsGeologic Map StandardsMapping Critical Resources
The USGS is currently updating maps of critical mineral deposits within the United States. This effort is helping to identify resources that can be used to build important tools like wind turbines, solar panels, and generators that help us respond to and be prepared for our changing climate.
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)Earth MRI Acquisitions ToolEarth MRI Acquisitions ToolEarth MRI SurveysEarth MRI SurveysTopographic Elevation Data
USGS and its partners are acquiring nationwide lidar (IfSAR in AK) to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution topographic elevation data. Lidar provides 3D information of the Earth's surface including, terrain, vegetation characteristics and human-made features, enabling production of mapping products.
Groundwater Maps
USGS also monitors groundwater! Here are some tools to access USG Groundwater maps and related data.
Principal Aquifers MapsPrincipal Aquifers MapsNational Groundwater Monitoring NetworkNational Groundwater Monitoring NetworkU.S. Groundwater ConditionsU.S. Groundwater ConditionsGeology Around Us
We produce maps for our land management and emergency response partners. We also produce event and risk hazard maps for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Geology of National ParksGeology of National ParksLatest Earthquakes MapLatest Earthquakes MapVolcanic MapsVolcanic Maps - Science
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
The goal of Earth MRI is to improve our knowledge of the geologic framework in the United States and to identify areas that may have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources. Enhancement of our domestic mineral supply will decrease the Nation’s reliance on foreign sources of minerals that are fundamental to our security and economy. - Data and More
- Multimedia
- FAQ
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...
What is the National Geologic Map Database?
The National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) is an archive of geoscience maps (including geology maps), reports, and stratigraphic information for the United States. The NGMDB contains information on more than 90,000 maps and related geoscience reports published from the early 1800s to the present day, by more than 630 agencies, universities, associations, and private companies. Much of the content...