Urban Dynamics: Data and Images

National Mapping Division
Historical Map Archives

The NMD Historical Map Archives were established after the publication of the first USGS topographic map in the early 1880s. The Archives include maps from the 1880s to the present and are divided into three chronological segments: 1880s-1933, 1934-1984, and 1985-to date.

The early years of the map archives may be incomplete due to numerous moves and lack of staff support over the years. In more recent years, however, the archives contain at least one copy of each NMD topographic map published or reprinted.

The maps are filed chronologically and alphabetically by state and quadrangle name and are housed in standard flat metal map files. Computer-based indexes of the 1880s-1933 and the 1985-to date segments have been prepared and can be searched upon request. An incomplete card catalog (no entries after 1970), filed by quad name, is available for reference uses. Other reference materials include the T-70 map production record card file (ends with the 1970s) and microfiche records of currently produced map quadrangles. Archival maps are available on loan only to USGS staff members for research purposes for a period of two weeks. Archival maps are not available for loan to non-USGS staff members nor through interlibrary loan.

Other Historical Map Sites:

• Coast Survey Historical Map and Chart Collection
  
• Library of Congress Panoramic Maps
  

USGS Contact:

Susan Lowell USGS National Center Room 2B123
Phone 703-648-4556