Maps can complement ED descriptions or provide substitutes for them. For censuses from 1790 through 1820, commercially or privately published maps are especially helpful and practical because the National Archives does not have ED descriptions and specially marked ED maps for these years. The appendix to PI 103 lists the maps by alphabetizing the names of states, specifying counties or other localities, and noting availability for the years 1880-1940. Only 11 ED maps exist for the 1890 census, and none pertains to the remaining schedules. Beginning in 1900, maps pertinent to censuses became more numerous and detailed.
Prices vary with the map size.
National Archives maps can help with research on other topics in addition to censuses. The Library of Congress also has many fire insurance, cadastral, and real property maps that can complement National Archives maps and help with the use of ED descriptions.