How to find topographic maps
and related base maps and imagery

If you are looking for paper or digital topographic maps, or other base maps or imagery, this page provides some links. If you connect to any of the linked pages, they will open in a new browser window. To return to the National Geologic Map Database pages, close the new window.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Background, and how topographic maps are made
• Topographic maps are available in many scales and series
• How to read a topographic map ("what are all those symbols and patterns?")
• Maps of the entire United States

FIND A TOPOGRAPHIC MAP:

• View ALL index maps for each state
• Search for a USGS topo map

VIEW TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS, ONLINE:

• Many sites where USGS maps and aerial photo images can be viewed

HOW TO ORDER:

• ESIC -- "http://ask.usgs.gov/" or call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747)
• Ordering USGS maps
• The USGS Store
• State Geological Surveys that sell topographic maps
• Commercial map dealers

DIGITAL MAPS (for sale and/or download):

The ESICs and the USGS Map Store sell digital maps. These Web sites provide information about the digital map products, and direct access to some of the data:

• Seamless Data Distribution System
• USGS Geographic Data Download
• Types of map data --
  • DRGs, or Digital Raster Graphics (scanned images of topographic maps)
  • DEMs, or Digital Elevation Models (digital elevation datasets)
  • DLGs, or Digital Line Graphs (digital vector cartographic datasets)
  • DOQs or Digital Orthophotos (digital aerial photographs)
• National Datasets --
  • NED (National Elevation Dataset)
  • NHD (National Hydrography Dataset)
  • NLCD (National Land Cover Institute)
  • National Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data Archive

INFORMATION ABOUT BENCHMARKS:

• General information
• Search for a benchmark (select "DATASHEETS")

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