USGS Maps***Online Edition***
Discover a small sample of the millions of maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey(USGS) in its mission to map the Nation and survey its resources. This booklet gives a briefoverview of the types of maps sold and distributed by the USGS through its Earth ScienceInformation Centers (ESIC) and also available from business partners located in most States. TheUSGS provides a wide variety of maps, from topographic maps showing the geographic reliefand thematic maps displaying the geology and water resources of the United States, to specialstudies of the moon and planets.

[Topographic Maps | Photoimage Maps | GeologicMaps]
[Hydrologic Maps | National Atlas Maps | OrderInformation]

TopographicMaps[7.5-minute maps | 15-minutemaps | 1:100,000-scale series | County map series]
[1:250,000-scale series | Statemap series | National park map series]
[Shaded-relief maps | Topographic-bathymetric maps | Antarcticmaps]
Most USGS topographic maps use brown contours to show the shape and elevation of the terrain.Contour intervals vary, depending mainly on the type of terrain and the scale of the map. (Scaleis the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground.)
The maps show and name prominent natural and cultural features. Those at scales of 1:24,000 (1inch = 2,000 feet) show an area in detail. Such detail is useful for engineering, local areaplanning, and recreational purposes.
Less detail is shown at scales of 1:50,000 (1 centimeter = 0.5 kilometer) to 1:100,000 (1centimeter = 1 kilometer). They cover larger areas and are used in land management andplanning.
Maps at scales of 1:250,000 (1 inch = about 4 miles), 1:500,000 (1 inch = about 8 miles), and1:1,000,000 (1 inch = about 16 miles) cover very large areas on each sheet and are used inregional and statewide planning.
**Areas featured.** Most USGS map series divide the United States into quadranglesbounded by two lines of latitude and two lines of longitude. For example, a 7.5-minute mapshows an area that spans 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude, and it is usuallynamed after the most prominent feature in the quadrangle. Others show a whole area--a county,State, national park, or place of special interest.
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7.5-minute maps204KPart of the 7.5-minute series map "New Orleans West Quadrangle,Louisiana," 1992,1:24,000, Universal Transverse Mercatorprojection, 22 x 27 inches.

The best known USGS maps are those of the 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale quadrangle series. Ascale of 1:25,000 is used for maps based on metric units (1 centimeter = 0.25 kilometer). Thearea portrayed on each sheet ranges from 64 square miles at latitude 30 degrees north to 49square miles at latitude 49 degrees north.
A scale of 1:24,000 allows considerable detail to be shown in the quadrangle areas. It takes about57,000 maps to cover the conterminous 48 States, Hawaii, and territories. All of these maps arenow for sale to the public. (For Alaska, 7.5-minute maps at 1:24,000 and 1:25,000 scale areavailable for areas around Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Prudhoe Bay.)
The sheet size is about 22 x 27 inches north of latitude 31 degrees and 23 x 27 inches south ofthat latitude.
For Puerto Rico, the scale of 1:20,000 (1 centimeter = 0.2 kilometer) was adopted in the 1950'sbecause it was a metric scale and the island had used metric measurements previously. The islandwas originally mapped at 1:30,000 scale, but this was changed to 1:20,000 to provide greaterdetail. The sheet size is about 29 x 32 1/2 inches. The U.S. Virgin Islands of St Croix, St. John,and St. Thomas have been mapped at a scale of 1:24,000; central Pacific islands at scales rangingfrom 1:10,000 to 1:50,000.
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15-minute maps81K
Part of the 15-minute map "Valdez (A-8),Alaska," quadrangle, 1960, reprinted 1986, 1:63,360, Universal Transverse Mercatorprojection, 18 x 22 inches.
The standard map series covering Alaska is the 15-minute, 1:63,360-scale (1 inch = 1 mile)quadrangle series, usually having dimensions of 15 minutes in latitude and from 20 to 36 minutesof longitude. The area portrayed on each sheet ranges from 207 to 280 square miles, dependingon the latitude.
The features shown on 15-minute maps are generally the same as those shown on 7.5-minutemaps, except that some may be generalized or omitted because of the smaller scale andconsequent space restrictions. The sheet size is about 18 x 22 inches north of latitude 62 degreesand 17 x 27 inches south of that latitude.
About 97 percent of the 2,920 sheets covering Alaska at this scale are completed; the remaining3 percent to be done are in the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea islands west of the mainland.
The 15-minute map series at a scale of 1:62,500 (1 inch = approximately 1 mile) has beenabandoned. The USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map series is the official replacementfor the 1:62,500-scales series. 
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1:100,000-scale series242K
Part of "Hebgen Lake, Montana-Idaho-Wyoming," quadrangle, 1993,1:100,000 UniversalTransverse Mercator projection, 40 x 24 inches.
Virtually all of the conterminous United States and Hawaii are covered by 30- x 60-minutequadrangle maps at a scale of 1:100,000. Most of these maps are derived from 1:24,000-scalemaps, but they show distances and contour intervals in meters. Contours are at intervals of 5, 10,20, or 50 meters, depending on terrain relief. (Also see County Maps.)
Some 1:100,000-scale quadrangle maps are published in planimetric editions, without contours,Bureau of Land Management editions showing Surface Management Status and SurfaceMinerals Management Status are also available, primarily in the western States.
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County map series166K
Part of "Culpeper County, Virginia," 1992, 1:50,000, Universal Transverse Mercatorprojection, 49 x 38 inches.
A county map may consist of one or more sheets,depending on the size of the county. About 20 percent of the Nation's counties are covered, 10percent at 1:50,000 and 10 percent at 1:100,00-scale.
**1:50,000.** County maps at this scale correspond closely in content to the 1:24,000-scalequadrangle maps. However, some county maps have contours in meters; these maps are alsoderived from the 1:24,000-scale maps.
**1:100,000.** Less detail is shown on these county maps because of space restrictions atthe smaller scale.
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1:250,000-scale series96KPart of  "Rolla, Missouri-Illinois,"1989, 1:250,000, Universal Transverse Mercator projection, 36 x 22 inches.
Maps in the 1:250,000-scale series are available for the entire United States. They wereoriginated by the U.S. Army Map Service during the 1950's, but are now maintained by theUSGS.
This series serves as base maps for aeronautical charts and geologic maps, for geographicreference, and in planning regional land use, transportation, and utility systems. Elevation data,derived from the contours on these maps, are available from any ESIC.

**Conterminous United States.** Quadrangles are 1 degree of latitude by 2 degrees oflongitude.  Along the coasts dimensions are modified to fit some maps. The series consists of489 sheets.  Ground area shown varies with latitude, from 8,218 square miles at 30 degrees northto 6,222 square miles at 49 degrees north. Sheet size is about 32 x 22 inches. About 8 percent ofthese sheets have been replaced by folded metric maps, about 36 x 22 inches in size.
**Hawaii.** Quadrangles are 1 degree of latitude and from 1 degree 30 minutes to 1 degree35 minutes of longitude. Ground area mapped is from 6,645 to 6,990 square miles. Sheet size isabout 29 x 22 inches.
**Alaska reconnaissance series.** This 153-sheet series covers the mainland and adjacentislands. It is being superseded by the Alaska 1:250,000-scale series. Quadrangles are 1 degree oflatitude and from 2 to 3 degrees of longitude. Ground area mapped is from 5,105 to 6,030 squaremiles for 1- x 2-degree quadrangles and from 4,580 to 7,310 square miles for 1- x 3-degreequadrangles. Sheet size is about 32 x 22 inches.
**Alaska 1:250,000-scale series.** Quadrangles, ground areas, and sheet size match those inthe reconnaissance series, but the source data are more accurate. Hypsographic (terrain relief)information is more generalized than on larger scale maps. Because the contour interval is 50,100, 200, or 500 feet, many small relief features are not shown on this series.
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State map series95KPart of "State of Virginia," basemap, 1973, 1:500,000, Lambert conformal conic projection, 62 x 30 inches.
The State maps in this series are usually published in three separate editions: (1) base map, (2)highway and contour map (topographic edition), and (3) shaded-relief map. Most are at a scale of1:500,000, but a few have been released at 1:1,000,000 or other scales.
The features shown are limited to areas within the State. No areas of adjoining States are shownexcept shorelines in coastal States and major streams and other water areas that form Stateboundaries.
Most maps in the series show one State per sheet, but some show more than one State --NewHampshire and Vermont; Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island; Delaware andMaryland. (There is also a separate sheet for Connecticut at 1:125,000 scale.)
Four States have more than one 1:500,000-scale sheet: California (2), Michigan (2), Montana (2),and Texas (4).
Two maps of the State of Alaska show Alaska National Interest Lands: shaded relief at1:5,000,000 and planimetric at 1:2,500,000. Alaska State maps are available at scales of1:1,584,000, 1:2,500,000, 1:5,000,000, and 1:12,000,000. Alaska is the only State for whichthere is no 1:500,000-scale map.
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National park map series206KPart of  "Grand Canyon National Park and Vicinity, Arizona," 1962,1:100,000, polyconicprojection, 60 x 38 inches.
Each of these topographic maps, some of them with shaded relief, feature a national park,national monument, or other National Park System unit. Themaps are much like the standard quadrangle maps of the same scale, but they highlightrecreational features.
Scales range from 1:960 for the map of the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, NewYork, to 1:250,000 for the map of the Denali National Park, Alaska. Sheet size ranges from about21 x 17 to 61 x 46 inches.
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Shaded-relief maps110KPart of "Grand Canyon National Park and Vicinity, Arizona," shaded-reliefedition of 1972,1:62,500, polyconic projection, 59 1/2 x 37 1/2 inches.
The USGS publishes shaded-relief editions of certain topographic maps to accentuatephysiographic features of special interest and for some State, Antarctic, and national park maps.These maps use shaded relief, as well as contour lines, to represent the shape of the terrain.
The pictorial effect of such maps is emphasized by relief shading--a halftone overprint thatsimulates the appearance of sunlight and shadows on the terrain and creates the illusion ofthree-dimensional topography.
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Topographic-bathymetric maps307KPart of the topographic-bathymetric map "Kedges Straits, Maryland," quadrangle, 1972,bathymetry added 1987, by the USGS and the National OceanSurvey, 1:24,000, Lambert conformal conic projection, 22 x 28 inches.
These USGS maps show in one format and one edition the data for a land-water area previouslyshown separately as a topographic map and a bathymetric map.
On topographic-bathymetric maps, contour lines show elevations of the land areas above sealevel, and isobaths (bathymetric contours) show the form of the land below the water surface.
Some bathymetric maps show magnetic and gravity data in addition to water depths.
Because coastal zones include both land and water, maps of such areas include both topographicand bathymetric data. In order to produce these coastal maps, the National Ocean Serviceprovided bathymetric data to be added to USGS topographic maps. The combined map serves theneeds of oceanographers, marine geologists, land use planners, physical scientists,conservationists, and others having an interest in management of the coastal zone, the wetlands,and the offshore environment. Topographic-bathymetric maps at a scale of 1:24,000 are popularwith people who enjoy fishing. Topographic-bathymetric maps are also available at 1:100,000and 1:250,000 scale.
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Antarctic maps146KPart of "Bear Peninsula, Antarctica,"1978, by USGS in cooperation with the National Science Foundation, 1:250,000, polarstereographic projection, 29 x 26 inches.
**1:50,000.** Topographic maps at this scale with 50-meter contour intervals are availablein the Ross Island-Taylor Glacier area. This series presently totals 13 sheets, with shaded reliefadded to the most recent maps.
**1:250,000.**  A topographic shaded-relief reconnaissance and a geologic reconnaissanceseries at this scale have contour intervals of 200 meters and also show bathymetric informationfor coastal areas. The topographic series is the primary map source for the planning, logisticsupport, and multidisciplinary investigations of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program. There are21 satellite image maps at this scale available in the Ross Island-Dry Valley and the Siple Coastareas.
**1:500,000.** Two series of maps--topographic shaded relief and sketch--are published atthis scale. The topographic maps, which show coastal areas of Wilkes Land and Enderby Land,were made for the International Geophysical Years (1955-58). There are also two satellite imagemaps at 1:500,000 scale.
**1:1,000,000.** A limited number of topographic maps and satellite image maps have beenpublished at this scale. Topographic maps have contours at 100, 300, or 500 meters.
**1:2,188,800.**  A reconnaissance sketch and topographic map of the Ross Ice Shelf at thisscale was made in support of the Ross Ice Shelf Geophysical and Glaciological Program.
**1:5,000,000.** Image map of the Antarctic continent using advanced very high resolutionradiometer (AVHRR) data from the National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration satellites.
Special photomosaics are available of McMurdo Station (1:25,000), Hut Point Peninsula(1:13,500), and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (1:1,250).
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Photoimage Maps[Orthophotomaps | Orthophotoquads | Border maps |Satellite image maps]

Orthophotomaps
67KPart of "Callao Quadrangle, Utah," 1972, 1:24,000, 7.5-minuteorthophotomap, Lambertconformal conic projection, 22 x 27 inches.
Orthophotomaps are multicolored, distortion-free, photographic image maps.  They are producedin standard 7.5-minute quadrangle format from aerial photographs, and they show a limitednumber of the names, symbols, and patterns found on 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps. Most of these maps are at a scale of 1:24,000, but some are at 1:25,000.
They show subtle topographic detail in areas of very low relief, such as marshlands and coastalzones.  For that reason, they are published as the topographic quadrangle maps for some coastalareas.
Some orthophotomaps of high relief areas also have been published.  
Coverage is mainly along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts (Texas to Maryland), the Mexican border,and in some areas of Alaska, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah.
They show State, county, and local boundaries; names of cities and towns; roads and highwayswith symbols and color; railroads; names of selected rivers, streams, and lakes; and topographiccontours.
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Orthophotoquads130KPart of "Lewes, Delaware," quadrangle, 1980, 1:25,000, orthophotoquad,UniversalTransverse Mercator projection, 22 x 27 inches.
Orthophotoquads are black-and-white, distortion free, photographic image maps that areproduced in standard 7.5-minute quadrangle format from aerial photographs, but have nocontours and only minimal cartographic treatment.  They include only a few names andsymbols.
Orthophotoquads are available for selected areas along the east coast of the United States andsupplement standard 7.5-minute topographic maps in these areas.
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Border maps
Part of "Las Conchas, Texas-Chihuahua," 1983, produced by the USGS incooperation with theDepartment of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, 1:25,000, Universal Transverse Mercatorprojection, 28 x 22 inches.
**U.S.-Mexico**. 203 natural color photoimage maps at a scale of 1:25,000 have beenprinted, bracketing the U.S.-Mexico border and covering the entire international boundary fromthe Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Part of "Rouses Point Port of Entry, Vermont-New York-Quebec," 1977,produced by the USGSin cooperation with the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, 1:25,000, UniversalTransverse Mercator projection, 19 1/2 x 22 1/2 inches.
**U.S.-Canada**. A series of maps is available that provides natural color photoimagecoverage for a 180-kilometer (about a 110-mile) strip along the U.S.-Canada border fromMassena, New York, to East Richford, Vermont.  These maps are formatted as 7.5-minute,1:25,000-scale quadrangles that are centered approximately on the border and cover areas of 10kilometers (about 6.2 miles) east-west and 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles) north-south.
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Satellite image mapsPart of "Benton Range, California-Nevada, Landsat 5," 1987, 1:100,000,Universal TransverseMercator projection, 42 x 24 inches.
Satellite image maps are multicolor or black-and-white photograph-like maps made from datacollected by Earth resources satellites.  They are a diverse group of experimental maps printed ina variety of scales and sizes, ranging from 1:24,000 for Point Loma, California, to 1:7,500,000for the conterminous 48 States.
Most satellite image maps are printed to simulate color-infrared photography by combiningimagery that was scanned in red, green, and infrared wave lengths of light.
On color-infrared imagery, growing crops, grasses, and woodlands usually appear in shades ofred; conifer forests in shades of reddish brown; clear water as dark blue or black; turbid water aslight blue or gray; and cultural features such as cities and highways as steely blue-gray.
Satellite image maps are available for selected areas in about half of the States and the District ofColumbia and such areas as Antarctica, the Bahamas, and Iceland.  They are also available forthe conterminous United States as a National Atlas sheet and for the entire States of New Jersey,Georgia, Arizona, Florida, and Utah.
Many image maps at 1:250,000 scale have topographic maps printed on the reverse sides.  Eachmap is identified by its latitude and longitude and is given a distinctive name, for example,"Upper Chesapeake Bay."  Major water bodies are used for map names when appropriatebecause they show the greatest contrast and are easily recognized.  Image maps coveringstandard 1:250,000-scale quadrangle areas carry the same name as the topographic map.
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Geologic Maps[Oil and gas investigations | Geologicquadrangle maps | Miscellaneous investigations]
[Miscellaneous field studies | Coalinvestigations | State geologic maps | Planet andmoons]
Geologic maps use a combination of lines, symbols, and colors to show the composition andstructure of earth materials and their distribution across and beneath the Earth's surface.  Theygenerally show bedrock formations like granite or limestone, surficial units such as sedimentdeposited by glaciers or rivers, and structures like folds and faults.  Geologic maps can be used toidentify geologic hazards, locate natural resources, and facilitate land-use planning.
The USGS makes many kinds of geologic maps. These maps are available as single or multiplesheets, many of which are folded and placed in a paper jacket.  Other geologic maps are enclosedin envelopes bound with USGS reports such as professional papers, bulletins, and water-supplypapers.  The texts of these reports contain descriptive and interpretive matter that supplementsthe information on the geologic maps.
USGS geologic maps are typically plotted on topographic or planimetric bases. They range inscale from 1:20,000 to 1:2,500,000 depending on the type of information to be shown and thepurpose of the map.
USGS Geologic Map Indexes are a State-by-State summary of published geologic mapping byFederal, State, academic, professional, and other organizations.
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Oil and gas investigations maps and charts
Part of "Structure Contours Map on Top of the Middle Member of the PiperFormation ofMiddle Jurassic Age in the Williston Basin and Adjacent Areas in Montana, North Dakota, andSouth Dakota," 1959, 53 1/2 x 39 inches.
The Oil and Gas Investigations Maps (OM) Series and Charts (OC) Series show the subsurfacestructure and stratigraphy and surface geology of selected oil and gas fields and of other areashaving hydrocarbon potential.  They may be black and white or multicolor.
Most maps and charts have an explanatory text printed on the margin or in a separate pamphlet. Some are on multiple sheets.  Sheet sizes and projections vary.  Each map or chart is folded andplaced in a paper jacket.
**Maps.**  Each map is plotted on a topographic or planimetric base.  Typically included arecross sections, columnar sections, correlation diagrams, and well logs.  Maps numbered 1 to 109in the series are designated preliminary; those from number 110 onward carry the prefix OM. Most maps in this series were published before 1965.

**Charts.**  Charts generally consist of well logs, correlation diagrams, graphs, and tables. Some charts include seismic data or maps.  Charts numbered 1 to 39 in the series are consideredpreliminary; those from number 40 onward carry the prefix OC.
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Geologic quadrangle mapsPart of "Geologic Map of the Casamero Lake Quadrangle, McKinley County, NewMexico,"1993, 1:24,000, Universal Transverse Mercator projection, 44 x 34 inches.
The Geologic Quadrangle (GQ) Series has more than 1,700 multicolor maps that show thebedrock, surficial, or engineering geology of selected 7.5- or 15-minute quadrangles in theUnited States.  The series, begun in 1949, is a continuation of the earlier Folios of the GeologicAtlas of the United States (1894 to 1945).
Each map is accompanied by an explanatory text printed on the map margin or occasionally as aseparate pamphlet.  Some maps include cross sections for clarity and to show relations at depth;some contain columnar sections describing stratigraphy; some maps show structure contours.
Sheet size and projection depend on the base map on which the geology is plotted.  The mostcommon scale is 1:24,000; some are at 1:31,680, 1:62,500, or 1:63,360 (Alaska). Each map isfolded and placed in a paper jacket.
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Miscellaneous investigations series mapsPart of "Bedrock and Engineering Geologic Maps of New York County and Partsof Kings andQueens Counties, New York, and Parts of Bergen and Hudson Counties, New Jersey," sheet 2,1994, 1:24,000, polyconic projection, 41 x 46 inches.
The Miscellaneous Investigations (I) Series contains mostly multicolor maps covering diversetopical material such as bedrock and surficial geology, marine geology, mineral and energyresources, and geophysics and geochemistry.  The series also includes maps of the Earth's Moonand other planetary bodies, hydrogeology, landforms, earthquake epicenters, map projections,and oblique-view maps.
Maps cover both quadrangles and irregularly shaped areas and are usually shown on atopographic or planimetric base at a variety of scales and in a variety of formats.  Many pre-1961I Series maps are photogeologic maps that were compiled from aerial photographs with little orno field checking.
Most maps have explanatory text printed on the map margin or in a separate pamphlet.  A feware on multiple sheets.
Sheet sizes and projections vary.  Each map is folded and placed in a paper jacket.
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Miscellaneous field studies series maps
Part of "Geologic Map of the Cholame Quadrangle, San Luis Obispo County,California," 1991,1:24,000, polyconic projection, 35 x 46 inches.
The Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) Series contains more than 2,200 mostly black-and-whitemaps that cover nearly all aspects of USGS investigations and research.  The series, begun in1950, had been known earlier as the Mineral Investigations Field Studies Series.  Pre-1971 mapsshow geology in relation to specific mining or mineral-deposit studies; later maps are on varioussubjects such as bedrock and surficial geology, offshore geology, mineral resource assessments,geophysical and geochemical surveys, and environmental studies.
The maps are either the preliminary results of ongoing studies or the final results of studies thatlack the scope necessary for the I and GQ Series.  They are intended for rapid publication and aremostly author prepared.
MF maps cover both quadrangles or irregularly shaped areas and are usually plotted ontopographic or planimetric bases.  Most maps are accompanied by a text on the map margin or ina separate pamphlet.  Some are on multiple sheets.
Scale, sheet sizes, and projections vary.  Each map is folded and placed in a paper jacket.
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Coal investigations series mapsPart of "Geologic Map and Lignite Deposits of the New Salem Quadrangle,Morton County,North Dakota," 1992, C-62, 1:24,000, Universal Transverse Mercator projection, 34 x 28inches.
The Coal Investigations (C) Series contains multicolor or black-and-white geologic maps thatshow bedrock geology, stratigraphy, and structural relations of selected coal resource areas of theNation.  The numbering of these maps began in 1950; a few unnumbered maps were produced asearly as 1935.
Each map has an explanatory text printed on the map margin or in a separate pamphlet.  Mapsalso typically show cross sections, columnar sections, structure contours, and measured sectionsof coal zones.
C Series maps cover quadrangles or irregularly shaped areas.  The maps are plotted ontopographic or planimetric bases at a variety of scales.  The most common formats are individual7.5-minute or 30- by 60-minute quadrangles.
Sheet size and projection vary.  Each map is folded and placed in a paper jacket.
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State geologic maps
Part of "Geologic Map of Oregon," 1991, sheet 1 of 2, 1:500,000, Lambertconformal conicprojection, 54 x 42 inches.
The USGS has compiled multicolor geologic maps in cooperation with about a third of theStates.  Most other States have prepared and made available their own State geologic maps. USGS State geologic maps currently available are Alaska (1980), Arkansas (1976, revised 1993),Colorado (1979), Kentucky (1981 at 1:250,000; 1993 at 1:500,000), Massachusetts (1983),Nevada (1978), New Mexico (1965, reprinted 1984), North Dakota (1980), Oklahoma (1954,reprinted 1991), Oregon (1991), and Wyoming (1985).
USGS State geologic maps are plotted on USGS standard topographic bases.  Scales vary from1:125,000 to 1:2,500,000, although 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 are the most common.  Sheet sizesvary widely; some maps are on multiple sheets.  Projections also vary.
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Maps of the planets and moons
221KPart of "Geologic Map of the South Side of the Moon," 1979, 1:5,000,000,Polarstereographic projection, 41 x 33 inches.
In 1960, the USGS established an astrogeology program on behalf of NASA to support lunar andplanetary exploration.  A prime activity of the program is the systematic mapping of thestratigraphy and structure of the Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the moons of the outerplanets.
Many USGS maps of the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn arenow available for purchase by the public.  These maps are in the Miscellaneous Investigations (I)Series.
The maps include geologic, topographic, photomosaic, and shaded-relief maps.
The scales, projections, and sheet sizes of these maps vary widely.
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Hydrologic Maps182KPart of "Hydrologic Unit Map-1981, State of Nevada," 1:500,000, Lambertconformal conicprojection, 45 x 65 1/2inches.
The Hydrologic Investigations Atlases (HA) Series contains either black-and-white or multicolormaps showing a wide range of water-resources information, such as depth to ground water,floods, irrigated acreage, producing aquifers, water availability, surface-water discharge,chemical or mineral content of water, surface impoundments, and water temperature.
More than 700 hydrologic atlases have been published; most HA maps were prepared incooperation with State, county, and municipal agencies.  Maps vary in sheet size, number ofsheets, and scale.  Principal maps are most frequently presented at a scale of 1:24,000; however,much smaller scales are used for larger areas of study.

Flood-prone areas are outlined on standard USGS 1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle mapsas part of the Federal program for managing flood losses in urban areas.  Flood-prone area maps,although not a published series, are available, by quadrangle name, from the Water ResourcesDivision District Office in the State of interest.  Locations of these offices can be obtained bycontacting the Office of Water Information, Water ResourcesDivision, U.S. Geological Survey, 423 National Center, Reston, VA 20192.
169KPart of "Ground Water Atlas of the United States, Segment 6, Alabama, Florida,Georgia, SouthCarolina," James A. Miller, 1990, 1:2,500,000, 18 x 23 inches.  This illustration shows theextent of major aquifers beyond Segment 6.
A special multisheet hydrologic atlas series, "Ground Water Atlas of the United States," is beingpublished. This series includes maps and descriptions of the principal aquifers of the Nation. Multicolor maps at scales ranging from 1:2,500,000 to 1:100,000 show the location, extent,thickness, potentiometric surface, and variations in water quality for the aquifers. Nationwidesummary maps are at a scale of 1:7,500,000. Supplementary illustrations and simplified textdescribe the most important aspects of the geology and hydrology of each aquifer.  To date(1995), 4 of the projected 13 atlases have been published.  Additional information can beobtained by contacting the Office of Water Information, WaterResources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, 423 National Center, Reston, VA 20192.
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NationalAtlasMaps[Reference maps | Thematicmaps]
The National Atlas of the United States of America (1970) contains 819 maps and charts on 416pages.  It is out of print but can be found in many libraries.
Separate sheets of selected reference maps and thematic maps from the Atlas are available fromthe USGS.  Some of the sheets have been updated and new maps are being published in updatedformats.

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Reference mapsOne set of multicolor planimetric (no contours) maps shows the UnitedStates in 21 sections at 1:2,000,000 scale.  Another available map shows the United States at1:7,500,000 scale, with insets for Alaska and Hawaii.  The Alaska inset is shown at 1:17,000,000scale.   Each map is printed on one side of a 28- x 19-inchsheet.
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Thematic mapsPart of the thematic map "Early Indian Tribes, Culture Areas, and LinguisticStocks," William C.Sturtevant, Smithsonian Institution, 1967, National Atlas 1:7,500,000, Albers equal areaprojection, 28 x 19 inches.
Part of the thematic map "Potential Natural Vegetation," 1966, revised 1985,National Atlas,1:7,500,000, Albers equal area projection, 28 x 19 inches.
Special-subject maps at scales of 1:7,500,000, 1:17,000,000 and 1:34,000,000 occupy 281 pagesof the 1970 Atlas.  Some special-subject maps recently added to this series were not in the 1970Atlas and may be at different scales.  Among the atlas series maps now available as separatesare:
United States Shaded Relief (1969)Alaska Shaded Relief (1969)Physiography and Physiographic Divisions (four maps, 1968)Land-Surface Form (1968)Classes of Land-Surface Form (1964)Tectonic Features, Alaska (1968)Tectonic Features, U.S. (1967)Geology (1966)Surficial Geology (1979)Potential Natural Vegetation (1985)Monthly Sunshine (1965)Annual Sunshine, Evaporation, and Solar Radiation (1969)Monthly Average Temperature (1965)Monthly Minimum Temperature (1965)Monthly Maximum Temperature (1965)Major Forest Types (1967, 1987 revisions to Alaska)Federal Lands (1968)Networks of Ecological Research Areas (1983)Principal Lands Where Exploration and Development of Mineral Resources are Restricted(1981)Population Distribution, Urban and Rural: 1960Population Distribution, Urban and Rural: 1970Early Indian Tribes, Culture Areas, and Linquistic Stocks (1967)Congressional Districts for the 100th Congress (1987)Territorial Growth (1986)Engineering Aspects of Karst (1984)Population (1970)Surface Water (1965)Surface Water (1988)Soils (1985)National Wilderness Preservation System (1987)Counties (1987)Presidential Elections 1789-1968 and 1972-1984Highways (1987)Coastal Erosion and Accretion (1985)Coastal Hazards (1985)Electing the President 1789-1988Presidential Election of 1988 (1989)U.S. Satellite View (1990)National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (1992)
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Ordering Information
To obtain free map indexes and catalogs, and to order topographic maps or any of the widevariety of thematic maps available from the USGS, contact:
USGS Information ServicesBox 25286Denver CO 802251-888-ASK-USGS or 303-202-4700Fax: 303-202-4693
Receive information from the EARTHFAX fax-on-demand system, which is available 24hours a day at 703-648-4888.

Please visit the USGS home page at <URL: http://www.usgs.gov/>
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*This booklet was originally published and printed in September 1995. The online editioncontains full text from the original publication.  This document has undergone official reviewand approval for publications established by the National Mapping Division, U.S. GeologicalSurvey. Some figures, have been modified or added to improve the scientificvisualization of information.*

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