Topographic Maps

The UNH Library is no longer receiving USGS topographic maps on paper from the US government. We have kept the final print maps we've received (generally pre-2010) but they are no longer the most recently produced.

US Topo maps are updated and superseded every three years (except for Alaska).

For the most recent edition of each US Topo for download or purchase, go to

USGS (US Geological Survey) topographic maps comprise the majority of the Map Room collection (Dimond, Level 3, main floor) and are located in the waist-height map cases. The several several series and how they are filed:

• Basic series of 7.5 minute quadrangles (mostly 1:24,000 or 1:25,000)
  • Alphabetical by state, then alphabetical by quadrangle (quad) name
  • Indexes (index map for state with quadrangle names) in most drawers
  • Sequence starts by the Map Room door and winds around the cases
• 1:100,000 quadrangles
  • Alphabetical by state, then alphabetical by quadrangle name, with index in top drawer
  • Follows after the basic series
• 1:250,000 quadrangles
  • Alphabetical by quadrangle name (many quads cover multiple states); lacks index
  • Follows after the 1:100,000 quadrangles

Also interfiled, when available, are official orthophoto quads and some satellite imagery (SI) maps of the similar scale.

For most states, the UNH library has only the last print edition of each 7.5 minute topo quad that was distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).

However, we are keeping all versions (topographic and orthophoto quads) and all editions for New Hampshire and other New England states along with eastern New York. These are in locked map cases; please contact Ask a Librarian or the Information Desk for assistance.