Maps and Geospatial Resources: U.S. Government Maps

Gazetteers

• USGS Geographic Names Information System
  Database of millions of physical and cultural geographic features in the US. For non-US geographic features, use GEOnet Names Server.
• U.S. Gazetteer
  This database, from the U.S. Census Bureau, is searchable by name, state abbreviation, or zip code and contains geographic information, maps, and census data.

Maps

• The National Atlas of the United States of America
  The National Atlas is intended to provide a comprehensive, map-like view into the enormous wealth of data collected by the Federal Government. Available downloadable data themes include: Elevation, Orthoimagery, Land Cover, Hydrography, Geographic Names, Boundaries, Transportation, and Structures.
  
• Public land Survey System (PLSS)
  The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a way of subdividing and describing land in the United States. All lands in the public domain are subject to subdivision by this rectangular system of surveys, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

Topographic Maps

The USGS now provides regularly updated US Topo  free online topoographic maps. These maps are not as detailed as the older paper maps, but new layers are being added on a periodic basis. (HINT: For the exact name of the corresponding older paper map, search for a specific location, and then click the red marker for the name of the earlier paper quadrangle map.) 

Historical topographic maps are also available online, and easy access is through the Topoview interface..

Historical Note: Recent USGS digital US Topo 1:24,000 topo maps based on the National Map omit several important geographic details that were featured in the original USGS topographic map series (1945-1992). Examples of omitted details and features include power transmission lines, telephone lines, railroads, recreational trails, pipelines, survey marks, and buildings. For many of these feature classes, the USGS is working with other agencies to develop data or adapt existing data on missing details that will be included in The National Map and to US Topo.  In other areas USGS digital map revisions may omit geographic features such as ruins, mine locations, springs, wells, and even trails in an effort to protect natural resources and the public at large, or because such features are not present in any public domain database. See the recent update summary.

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) can also be used to identify the name of the appropriate topographic map.

Using the Search Topographic Map Cells option, select the "Search Topographic Map/Digital Product Cells" option on the far right ... then enter the place name of interest in the Feature Name field and select the state with the pull-down menu. Look for the Cell Name (name of the quad map) that has a Cell Size of  "7.5 X 7.5 Minute".  See the video of searching for a place name.