U.S. Geological Survey Maps in the Map Library
The Map Library holds current and historical U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps for the entire US and its territories as well as thematic maps published by USGS. For further information please choose a link below:
Topographic maps
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), created in 1879, started systematically mapping the county in 1882. The early topographic quadrangles of the eastern United States have scales of 1:62,500 for heavily populated areas and 1:125,000 for undeveloped areas; they are more frequently referred to as 15-minute and 30-minute quads as each sheet covers either 15 or 30 minutes of latitude and longitude respectively. As the country became fully explored and better populated, USGS began mapping it at a larger scale; by the late 1950s the 15- and 30-minute series were phased out in favor of the larger-scale 7.5 minute series (1:24,000). USGS also maps the US at smaller scales that show less detail but cover larger areas.
The Map Library holds both current and old editions of USGS topographic maps for all states and US territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands) at some or all of the following scales:
- 1:24,000 (7.5-minute)
- 1:63,360 (Alaska 15-minute)
- 1:100,000 (30 x 60-minute)
- 1:250,000
- Historical 15-minute (1:62,500), 30-minute (1:125,000) & specials (scales vary)
For more specific holdings information please contact a Map Library staff member.
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Thematic maps
USGS also produces a variety of thematic maps and map series, including:
- Coal Investigations
- Geologic Quadrangles
- Geophysical Investigations
- Hydrologic Investigations Atlas
- Miscellaneous Field Studies
- Mineral Investigations Series
- Oil and Gas Investigations Chart
- Scientific Investigations
- State Geologic Maps
Thematic USGS maps can be found either by map title or series through GIL, UGA's online catalog. Geologic maps are also held in the Science Library; a map's library location will be listed on its GIL record. If you cannot find a particular map or map series, please contact a Map Library staff member .
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USGS Map Resources
US Geological Survey (USGS)
A multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information and water.
- Map Information
Contains information about the various USGS topographic, geographic and other special purpose maps and charts available in a variety of print and digital formats. - Topographic Map Symbols
Legend for USGS topographic maps. - USGS Library
Access to over 300,000 book, map, and serial records in the US Geological Survey Library online catalog; includes links to other online map and mapping resources.
For more USGS resources please visit our Online Cartographic Resources page.
More USGS Map Resources
Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. Topographic Mapping of the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1984.
Map Library Ref GA125 .L37 1984 (does not circulate)
Available in the Map Library; please contact a Map Library staff member for assistance.
Moffat, Riley Moore. Map Index to Topographic Quadrangles of the United States, 1882 – 1940. Santa Cruz, CA: Western Association of Map Libraries, 1986.
Map Library Ref GA405 .M64 1985 (does not circulate)
Available in the Map Library; please contact a Map Library staff member for assistance.
Rabbitt, Mary C. "The United States Geological Survey: 1879-1989.” USGS Circular 1050
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