## Breadcrumb

-  Science 
-  Science Explorer 
-  Maps and Mapping 

# Mapping What’s Under Our Feet

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.

                  -              Overview           
                  -              Science           
                  -              Data and More           
                  -              Multimedia           
                  -              FAQ           

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

## National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

Introduction to Geologic Mapping

## Introduction to Geologic Mapping

A Brief History of Geologic Mapping in the USGS

## 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

## National Geologic Map Database

Geoscience Map Catalog

## Geoscience Map Catalog

Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex)

## Geologic Names Lexicon (Geolex)

Geologic Map Standards

## 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 Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Earth MRI Acquisitions Tool

## Earth MRI Acquisitions Tool

Earth MRI Surveys

## 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.

3D Elevation Program

## 3D Elevation Program

Lidar Explorer

## Lidar Explorer

Lidar Viewer

## Lidar Viewer

## **Groundwater Maps**

USGS also monitors groundwater! Here are some tools to access USG Groundwater maps and related data.

Principal Aquifers Maps

## Principal Aquifers Maps

National Groundwater Monitoring Network

## National Groundwater Monitoring Network

U.S. Groundwater Conditions

## 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

## Geology of National Parks

Latest Earthquakes Map

## Latest Earthquakes Map

Volcanic Maps

## Volcanic Maps

## Science

link

October 1, 2019

####                 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)              

Mineral Resources Program

link

October 1, 2019

####   Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Learn More

View All

## Multimedia

PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

August 25, 2022

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist

Public Lecture Series

August 25, 2022

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist

Public Lecture Series

View All

link

October 1, 2019

####                 Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)              

Mineral Resources Program

link

October 1, 2019

####   Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Learn More

November 10, 2022

####                 Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data Access Tool              

Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global analysis.

Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

November 3, 2022

####                 Download Data & Maps from The National Map              

The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.

Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, National Hydrography, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic Names

May 1, 2020

####                 Earth MRI Acquisitions Map              

Earth MRI began in 2019 and is a partnership between the USGS and State Geological Surveys to acquire new geologic maps, geophysical surveys, and LiDAR data to better understand the fundamental geologic framework of areas across the Nation with potential for hosting critical mineral resources.

Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

August 25, 2022

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist

Public Lecture Series

August 25, 2022

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

#### PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!

link

**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist

Public Lecture Series

link

####                 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...

link

####   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...

Learn More

link

####                 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...

link

####   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...

Learn More

                  - 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.
3D Elevation Program3D Elevation ProgramLidar ExplorerLidar ExplorerLidar ViewerLidar Viewer**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 MapsSciencelinkOctober 1, 2019                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.ByMineral Resources ProgramlinkOctober 1, 2019  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.Learn More**View AllMultimediaListGridPubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!**PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!August 25, 2022PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!link  PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!
**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist
ByPublic Lecture SeriesAugust 25, 2022PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!linkPubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!link
**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist
ByPublic Lecture SeriesView All 
                  - Science  LabellinkOctober 1, 2019                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.ByMineral Resources ProgramlinkOctober 1, 2019  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.Learn More** 
                  - Data and More  LabelNovember 10, 2022                Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data Access Tool              
Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global analysis.
ByMineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)November 3, 2022                Download Data & Maps from The National Map              
The National Map Downloader is the primary search and download application for USGS topographic maps and base-layer GIS data.
ByCore Science Systems Mission Area, National Geospatial Program, 3D Elevation Program, National Hydrography, The National Map - Data Delivery, U.S. Board on Geographic NamesMay 1, 2020                Earth MRI Acquisitions Map              
Earth MRI began in 2019 and is a partnership between the USGS and State Geological Surveys to acquire new geologic maps, geophysical surveys, and LiDAR data to better understand the fundamental geologic framework of areas across the Nation with potential for hosting critical mineral resources.
ByEarth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) 
                  - Multimedia  LabelListGridPubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!**PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!August 25, 2022PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!link  PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!
**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist
ByPublic Lecture SeriesAugust 25, 2022PubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!linkPubTalk-08/2022 - The National Geologic Map Database - A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips!link
**The National Geologic Map Database**

A wealth of geologic information at your fingertips! 

By David Soller, USGS Geologist
ByPublic Lecture Series 
                  - FAQ  Labellink                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...
link  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...
Learn More**link                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...
link  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...
Learn More**