How To Get Information From the USGS

You are probably familiar with the topographic maps, geologic maps, and other publications that are available from the U.S. Geological Survey.  The USGS provides information to the public in many other ways through a variety of media, many of which are free of charge!  Some avenues to obtain information are:

Purchasing Maps and Publications: USGS maps and reports covering the entire country may be ordered from U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver CO 80225, or call toll-free 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747).  Standard 7½’ topographic maps are now $6.00; other maps cost more (there is $5.00 per order handling charge for mail orders).  Publications may also be purchased over-the-counter from Map Sales at the Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 810, Lakewood, CO (local call 303-202-4700), and local topo maps are available from map and outdoor recreation stores in most cities.  The USGS publishes many free brochures and booklets on earth science topics, and several free Teaching Packets are available.  An up-to-date list of these is on our website at  http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/lesson_plans.htm

Earth Science Information Centers (ESIC): ESIC offices are located major cities throughout the U.S. and can provide ordering information about aerial photographs, satellite imagery, digital map data, available publications, and many other kinds of earth science data.  The nationwide toll-free number is 1-888-ASK-USGS or see http://ask.usgs.gov .  

Map of Denver Showing How to Reach Denver Federal Center and Map Sales Office, USGS Denver:  http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/outreach/dia2dfc.html

Map of Denver Federal Center showing How to Reach Map Sales Office, USGS Denver: http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/outreach/dfc.html

Ask-A-Geologist: Schools or others may send email to a rotating group of USGS scientists to get answers to any general earth science questions.  The email address is:    ask-a-geologist@usgs.gov

Internet: The USGS home page on the World Wide Web provides a wealth of information on all kinds of earth science topics!  Go to http://www.usgs.gov or http://ask.usgs.gov.  This will give you cross-links to other USGS websites on earthquakes, geology, water, biology, and the USGS "Learning Web" site at http://www.usgs.gov/education/   See also the USGS Biology “Kid’s Corner” at   http://biology.usgs.gov/features/kidscorner/kidscrnr.html

GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) allows you to look up data online about any named place or feature appearing on USGS topo maps, at http://mapping.usgs.gov/www/gnis/    Try it!  Includes links to online display of topo maps, satellite images (Terraserver), and orthophotoquad maps ( aerial photo images).

National Atlas of the U.S. is interactive online, plus printed maps you can purchase: http://www.nationalatlas.gov/

Water Data: real-time or past stream flow data for the entire U.S. is available online at:  http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html  or   http://water.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/

Find out what your local river was doing today, or last week, or 10 years ago!

National water quality information is online at  See http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa

"EARTHFAX" Fax-on-demand: USGS provides pages of information about many earth science topics (earthquakes, volcanoes, mineral resources, floods, maps, current publications, etc.) via an automatic-reply fax service.  Call toll-free 1-888-ASK-USGS from a touch-tone phone and select option #1 to get a series of menu choices to receive faxes (sent to your fax no.) on subjects you select.  Available 24 hours a day at no charge.

U.S. National Earthquake Information Center  is located in Golden, Colorado, at 1711 Illinois St. on the Colorado School of Mines campus.  You may visit the Earthquake Center in person to see "live" seismographs in operation and other displays; call 303-273-8500 for directions and free tour information.   See http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov

More questions about the USGS and its publications or activities?  See our website, http://ask.usgs.gov, or call our Earth Science Information Center toll-free, 1-888-ASK-USGS.

  prep. by Pete Modreski,Denver CO, 303-202-4766,  pmodreski@usgs.gov   v.17US pjm 8/29/02