Topographic maps (topos) use contour lines to show variations in the elevation of the land.
In addition to the 7.5 minute-series and 15-minute series from USGS detailed below, you can find many topos interfiled in the main collection and closed stacks in call number order by geographic area.
Include "Topographic maps" as a subject term when searching in OneSearch, and limit the format to "Maps," to find topos beyond the USGS series.
The U.S. Geological Survey created the 7.5 minute topographic map series between 1884-2006. The Map Collection includes 7.5 minute maps (1:24,000) for western U.S. states, including:
If you need to find a historical topographic map to print or view digitally, access them through The National Map online.
Post-2006 topos published online have less detail of features such as trails, pipelines, and buildings. Current USGS topos are available to download instantly through US Topo.
One other USGS tool, topoBuilder, allows you to create large-scale, 7.5-minute maps (as well as medium-scale maps that cover 1,500 to 2,200 square miles) of whatever area you choose. topoBuilder maps are digitally produced on-demand from data aggregated by The National Map and emailed to creators within one to five days.
The U.S. Geological Survey created the 15-minute series (1:63,360 scale) between the 1890s and the 1950s with the exception of Alaska, which continued until 2013.
If you need to find a historical topographic map to print or view digitally, access them through The National Map online.
Post-2006 topos published online have less detail of features such as trails, pipelines, and buildings. Current USGS topos are available to download instantly through US Topo.
One other USGS tool, topoBuilder, allows you to create large-scale, 7.5-minute maps (as well as medium-scale maps that cover 1,500 to 2,200 square miles) of whatever area you choose. topoBuilder maps are digitally produced on-demand from data aggregated by The National Map and emailed to creators within one to five days.
