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United States Geological Survey 100,000 Scale Maps

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_Gov 058

Scope and Contents

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) 100,000 Scale Maps include 2,332 topographic maps. These maps are a part of the 1:100,000-scale series (where one centimeter is one Kilometer on the ground) 30 X 60 Minute Quadrangle map collection, which were created from the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps made by USGS between the years 1967-1983. The USU collection includes 76% of the 30 X 60 Minute Quadrangle maps known to be produced by USGS. For more information on USGS Topographic Maps and to view the USGS TopoView database see https://libguides.usu.edu/maps/types. These topographic maps have a focus in land management planning and conservation projects, but could also be useful for outdoor recreation (Makower, 1990). Maps are named after a city or location within the map’s covered area, but the name does not necessarily reflect the entire contents of the map. Each map features an adjoining map key that shows the map in relation to other 100,000 scale maps. Largely produced in the 1980s, these maps feature contours that make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the ocean bottom, and the steepness of slopes that can be read using the map symbols key on each map. For an example of a map symbol key see https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/us-topo-map-symbol-file-sample.

Makower, J. (Ed.). (1990). The Map Catalog: Every Kind of Map and Chart on Earth and Even Some Above it. Vintage Books.

Dates

  • Creation: 1972 - 1994

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.



Permission to publish material from the United States Geological Survey 100,000 Scale Map Collection must be obtained from the

Biographical / Historical

This collection was created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which is the largest mapping agency in the United States. The USGS was created on March 3, 1879 with the first duty to fulfill the Land Ordinance of 1785 of classify public lands to be later sold. However, before the USGS creation, there were four other geological surveys done by Clarence King, Ferdinand V. Hayden, John Wesley Powell and Lieutenant George Wheeler (USGS website). For more information about surveys in the American West, see https://libguides.usu.edu/westernsurveys. The USGS has been producing topographic maps since 1884 and they have become one of their most popular products. In the last century, USGS has produced more than 55,000 large-scale topographic maps (USGS website). For more information about USGS map programs, see https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/usgsmaps/usgsmaps.html

Extent

2,332 Items (19 drawers 38 folders )

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) 100,000 Scale Maps include 2,332 30 X 60 Minute Quadrangle topographic maps. These maps were created from the 1:24,000 scale USGS topographic maps with the purpose of land management, conservation, and outdoor recreation (Makower, 1990). Topographic maps feature contours that show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the ocean bottom, and the steepness of slopes that can be read using the map symbols key on each map. Most maps were published in the 1980s and are named after cities or locations (not always central) within the map.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by map title in 38 folders across 19 drawers.

Title
Guide to the United States Geological Survey 100,000 Scale Maps 
Author
Finding aid written by Abbie Chesley and Jen Kirk.
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)