Maps and Geographic Information Systems: Topographic
Map Symbols
- Topographic Map Symbols (pdf)Browsable list of Topographic map symbols, from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Images
Introduction to Topographic Maps
A topographic map shows more than just elevation. The closer you look, the more symbols and unusual kinds of lines you will see. These can represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation, and even pipe lines, windmills, exposed ship wrecks, and former disposal sites. Topographic map symbols are constantly refined to better relate to the features they represent. Do not be surprised if within the same series, maps may have slightly different symbols for the same feature. See this useful list of topographic map symbols from USGS. Of course the more modern the map, the more likely it will be to show a greater variety of features. The historic maps are surprisingly detailed, though. Take a quick look at some of the Missouri sheets through the Perry Castaneda map collection website – some of them date back to 1884! It’s fascinating to compare historic and modern topo maps of the same area.
MU Libraries keeps its physical collection of topographic maps at the Geology Library. The largest set is the 7.5-minute topos, and refer to Inventories of 7.5-minute Maps at the Geology Library to see what is in the collection. There are several online sources as well. The USGS site is one of our favorites. There you can download digital scans of topo maps, find historic topo maps, get aerial photographs and satellite images, and learn more about topographic and other types of maps.
Topographic Maps
- Army Map Service Topographic Map Series from the Perry-Castañeda Library Map CollectionMany countries available at 1:250k scale in JPG format, published between the 1940s and 1960s.
- Geologic Atlas of the United StatesA set of 227 folios published by the USGS between 1894 and 1945.
- National Map - USGS TopoDigital topographic maps from the USGS in 7.5-minute quadrangle format.
- NOAA U.S. State Images from 30 Second Topographic DataTopographic images of each state
- TopoZoneSearch Topographic Maps & Aerial Photos by State or Province.
- USGS Map StoreFind, order, or download free Topographic Maps.
Map Collections and Indexes - Geology Library
- Topographical Maps - USGS 7.5’ SeriesCataloging (back logs) in process - Maps that are currently received are being cataloged - No call number label - Unfolded/flat. Local call number pattern: 7.5 MAP STATE:PLACE YEAR Ex. 7.5 MAP MO:SPRINGFIELD 2000
- Topographical Maps - USGS 30 x 60 SeriesMaps that are currently received are being cataloged - No call number label - Unfolded/flat - Barcode location bottom right corner - Local call number pattern: 30x60 MAP STATE:PLACE YEAR - Ex. 30x60 MAP MO:SPRINGFIELD 2000
- Topographical Maps - USGS 15’ SeriesMostly not cataloged - No call number label - Unfolded/flat
- Barcode location: bottom right corner - Some of large sheets are shelved with 7.5’ series - Index maps and lists
- Various Government Document Map SeriesOn shelves in the back room. Mostly cataloged - Call number label - In envelope
- Miscellaneous maps by region (old style maps)In wooden cabinets in the main room. Belong to the Geology Department; nothing is being added - Mostly not cataloged - No call number label - Unfolded/folded/in envelope
- Miscellaneous maps by regionMetal cabinets in the back room. Not cataloged - No call number label - Unfolded/flat
- CD-ROM/Disc MapsMetal cabinets in the main room. Mostly cataloged - Gov doc CD-ROMs have bib records and item records, but some don’t have barcodes. Combination of Sudoc and LC.
National Forest Topographic Quadrangle Maps
Located in Ellis Library in the Government Documents Department on 1 East. These are located in Map Cabinet 5, drawers 10-15. Mostly not cataloged - unfolded/flat. Sudoc A 13.28: Index in drawer 10.
Digital maps of the different national forests are linked below.
- USADA Forest Service-Maps
- Completed Motor Vehicle Use Maps
- Collection of ArcGIS Online (Maps)
Various maps and data sets collected by the agency for public and other agency use.
- Forest Service Topographical Maps
