INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS

If you don't already have your United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographical maps, the size that I recommend is the 7.5 minute series. The size of this map makes for easier storage and carrying, if you should decide to do so. One 7.5 minute map covers approximately 60 square miles. East to West covers about 7 miles and North to South covers about 8.6 miles.

When ordering USGS maps, you may need to order an index for the state that contains your area of interest. The index consists of a large map of the specified state, broken down into quadrangles. Each of these quadrangles has a name and the area covered by that quadrangle is marked on the map by small rectangles. Once you have figured out which quadrangle you need, to cover your area of interest, you can place your order for the maps.

Along with the index will come a catalog of published maps for that state and it will contain a list of maps, prices and order forms as well as instructions for placing your order.

Another good source for obtaining USGS topographical maps is from district ranger stations. These ranger stations are normally located near National Forest areas. You can order these maps by mail or by visiting the ranger station, in person, during normal business hours. Most of them are not open on Saturday. The maps that you obtain from the ranger stations will normally have the designation "MODIFIED FOR USDA FOREST SERVICE USE" underneath the words "UNITED STATES, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY". These maps are made especially for use in the national forest areas, and they have more and better markings and information, concerning trails and man made features, in the area. More information can be had by contacting the local ranger station in the area you are interested in.

Also, you can order indexes and maps, once you have determined which quadrangles you want, by using your credit card and calling the new USGS number, 1-888-ASK-USGS. (1-888-275-8747)

If you are interested in finding more information about the USGS program, online, the USGS home page is a good place to start. There, you can find information on pricing and ordering, as well as locations for commercial dealers, in your state.

To order your 7.5 Minute Maps and others, online, click on USGS Store. There you'll find several options for entering your information and finding the desired maps. If you don't have any luck in finding what you need, online, you can always call 1-888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747) for more information and help.

To order your free indexes, catalogs and access general information, online, click here.

If you're looking for information on topo map symbols, click here!

If you want to check out a specific map name, you can go to this location to check the currentness and get a stock number for that map. You don't have to enter the name of the state, just the name of the map or quadrangle. The state abbreviation will be a part of the stock number when you get the results of your search. For more information scroll down and click on Online Maplist Home.

Online Price List. Effective September 1, 2002, the price of standard USGS 7.5 Minute quandrangle maps is $6.00 per sheet with a $5.00 shipping and handling charge per order. To confirm or check other prices, go to USGS Maps Price List and scroll down to the table of prices.

If you're looking for information about any place in the United States, with a Federally recognized name, you can find it here. When you type in the name of the place, choose the state in which it's located and the type of place it is, that's usually enough. However, you have the option to enter more information if you have it. From this search you can obtain the following information about a selected town or geographic feature: Federally recognized feature name, Feature type, Elevation (where available), Estimated 1994 population of incorporated cities and towns, State(s) and county(s) in which the feature is located, Latitude and longitude of the feature location, List of USGS 7.5-minute x 7.5-minute topographic maps on which the feature is shown and more.

An interesting page that I just checked out is Topozone. It says it has topo maps, to view, for the entire United States. When you do a search on any particular town it also shows the coordinates for that town. Once you bring up the map you have the option of having the coordinates displayed in UTM, decimal degrees, or degrees/minutes/seconds.

Another online site that claims to be "The World's Largest Online Map Catalog," is Omni Resources. They have many different kinds of maps and many map related items of interest.