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Library Map Collection

United States Geological Survey Maps

Topographic Maps

The J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library is a depository for U.S. Geological Survey topographic quadrangle maps. Topographic maps show the surface features of the earth, whether natural or man-made. The two primary series of topographic maps are the 7.5 minute and the 15 minute series.

  • The 7.5 Minute Series
    The 7.5 minute series maps contain coverage of 22 states -- Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, California, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. These are the most detailed maps that we have and are under continuous revision. They show detailed areas of about 49 to 71 square miles. Use the current index map for a specific state to locate areas of interest and determine the quadrangle name. Quadrangles are arranged alphabetically within the state in map cases.
  • The 15 Minute Series
    Each 15 minute map covers the area of four 7.5 minute maps. These are no longer published and were not done for all areas. Use an older index map to locate specific areas of interest and determine the quadrangle name. Quadrangles are shelved alphabetically within each state in the 15 minute section of the Map Area on third floor.
  • The 1:250,000 Scale Maps
    The 1:250,000 scale maps cover most areas of the United States, but are no longer published. These are much less detailed then 7.5 or 15 minute maps. They are filed in the map cases by quadrangle name.

Geological and Hydrologic Maps

These maps are published in a number of thematic series, which include Coal Investigations Maps, Geophysical Investigations Maps, Geologic Quadrangle Maps, Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations Maps, Hydrologic Investigation Atlases, and others. They are shelved in the map area on third floor in Sudoc number, then numerical order by their series designation. They are indexed by Andriot's Guide to USGS Geologic and Hydrologic Maps.

Country Maps

Various map formats and scales of Central Intelligence Agency country maps. Generally small and not in great detail. Filed in filing cabinets in map area on third floor under the general SuDocs call number Prex 3.10/4.

Great Lakes Navigational Charts

J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library has most current charts. Shelved by their chart number in map cases. We have regional indexes for navigational charts but at this time are only collecting Great Lakes Charts. Nautical Chart catalog Number 4, C 55.418:4, covers the Great Lakes region.

National Forest Maps

These maps have the general SuDoc number A 13.28: and can be found on the regular government documents shelves on the Garden Level. Most of these are folded maps. The topographic Forest Service Maps are shelved alphabetically by name of quadrangle under the name of the Forest in map cases on the third floor.

National Parks Service Maps

These topographic maps are shelved in alphabetic files under the National Forest or National Park name, then arranged within that file by quadrangle names in map cases on the third floor.

Maps Reading Area