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Maps And GIS

United States Geological Survey (USGS) Maps and GIS Data

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is one of the major creators and sources for maps and GIS data in the United States. They provide valuable resources in multiple areas.

Topographic Maps

This map series divides the United States into quadrangles bounded by two lines that span either 7.5 or 15 minutes of latitude and  longitude. The scale of 1:24,000 (1 inch = 2,000 feet) shows an area in detail, useful for engineering, local area planning, and recreational purposes such as hiking or hunting. Contour lines show the shape and elevation of the terrain. The maps also show and name prominent natural and cultural features. For more information, see Topographic Map Symbols.

A set of topographic maps is available in the library storage annex. The USGS no longer prints or distributes topographic maps to libraries, so those in our print collection are not be the most recent version. The USGS provides digital topographic maps that are available free of charge; follow the steps on the digital topographic maps locator page to download your map. You'll also have an option to order a print copy of the map (for a fee). This site also contains scans of many of the historic topographic maps dating back to the 1880's.

Records of the topographic maps available in the library storage annex may be viewed in the online catalog. Use the request button in the online catalog to have the maps you need delivered to one of the library locations. Be sure to check holdings for both states for maps that cross state borders.

Maps and GIS Data from the USGS
  • EarthExplorer
    • Provides search, browse, display, download, and export of metadata to provide access to earth science data from the archives of the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
  • National Geologic Map Database
    • The National Geologic Map Database provides access to a searchable catalog of maps from the USGS, state surveys, and other publishers; a lexicon of names and descriptions of geologic units; online map viewers for geologic and topographic maps; and standards and schema for geologic maps and reports.
  • National Map
    • National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. It has many uses ranging from recreation to scientific analysis to emergency response.
  • USGS Geo Data Portal
    • Landscape and climate data sets from the USGS that are available in an interactive and web accessible format.
Other USGS Map Series available at the NDSU Libraries

The USGS produces many other map series. These are just a few examples, which can be found in the Government Documents shelving area (northwest corner of the 2nd floor).

  • Circum-Pacific (CP) Map Series I 19.91/2:
  • Coal Investigations (C) I 19.85:
  • Geologic Investigations (I) I 19.91:
  • Geologic Quadrangle (GQ) I 19.88:
  • Geophysical Investigations (GP) I 19.87:
  • Hydrologic Investigations Atlases (HA) I 19.89:
  • Hydrologic Unit Map (I) 19.89/2:
  • Land Use and Cover (L) I 19.112:
  • Mineral Investigations (MR) I 19.90:
  • Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) I 19.113:
  • Miscellaneous Investigations Studies (I) I 19.91:
  • Oil and Gas Investigations Charts (OC) I 19.92:
  • Oil and Gas Investigations Maps (OM) I 19.93:
  • Scientific Investigations Maps (SIM) I 19.91/3: