Locating Maps in UO Libraries

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.

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).

Individual sheets are filed in alphabetical order by quadrangle name. The first drawer for the state (in the case of the 7.5 minute series) contains an index map to help you determine the quad name.  The most prominent place/feature found within a quad is often used as the quad name.

All three series also may be downloaded as PDFs directly from the USGS TopoView.

We have a collection of older editions of Oregon USGS topographic maps. To use the older maps, contact the Map and Aerial Photography Library. Like the current print editions (and the born digital editions) these can also be searched, viewed, and downloaded at Topoview.  There are a few instances where we have a print copy of an edition that did not get included in TopoView.  If you are doing a comprehensive review of topographic maps of Oregon, let us know.  We are happy to arrange for you to view our collection.