The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began systematically mapping the United States of America in the 1880s. Over time, they produced topographic maps of all US territories at increasingly detailed scales. Maps were updated as needed.

The USGS stopped printing and distributing topographic maps to libraries in 2009 when they switched to US Topo, which allows for free download of digital copies and a print on demand system.

Current Topographic Maps

The most recent versions printed in the traditional manner are available for self-service in the Map Library on the first floor of Knight Library. For the most detailed scale (1:24,000 that covers an area measuring 7.5 minutes of latitude by 7.5 minutes of longitude, also known as 7.5-minute topo quad[rangle] maps), we have complete coverage for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Hawaii. We also have complete coverage for Alaska, which was mapped in less detail, due to it’s size. We have national coverage at the 1:100,000 scale (1 degree latitude by 30 minutes longitude) and 1:250,000 (1 degree latitude by 2 degrees longitude). All three series also may be downloaded as PDFs directly from the USGS website.

Historic Oregon Topos

In addition, we have historic collections of topographic maps of Oregon. The links below lead to inventories of our paper collection. To use the older maps, contact the Map and Aerial Photography Library.

7.5' Topographic Quadrangles, 1949 to present (The most recent printed versions of these maps are available for self-service in the Map Library, Knight Library, First Floor

Historic Metro Series

The Map & Aerial Photography Library has an extensive collection of older USGS topographic maps of US Cities. Please contact the Map & Aerial Photography/GIS Librarian for more information.