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Arizona U.S. Geological Survey Topographic and Orthophotoquad Map Collection

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_Gov006

Scope and Contents

The Arizona U.S. Geological Survey Topographic and Orthophotoquad Map Collection includes 2,100 maps. Most are 7.5-minute quadrangle (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website, maps at the scale of 1:24,000 include information of both natural and manmade features including but not limited to buildings, fences, private roads. A smaller portion of the collection includes Preliminary Editions of the 7.5-minute topographic maps that were derived from the 15-minute quadrangle maps (1:62,500 scale). While according to the USGS Maps Booklet, the 7.5 and 15 minute map series are very similar, due to the dimensions and space restrictions of the 15-minute maps, some features are absent or are more generalized than what is represented in the 7.5-minute maps (USGS website). Because of this greater level of detail, the 7.5-Minute Topo maps replaced the 15-minute topographic maps (USGS website). The 15-minute maps are part of the Government Information Closed Stacks Map Collection. The collection also includes Provisional Editions of some 7.5-minute topographic maps. These were created to accelerate the completions of the large-scale topographic programs (USGS website). Preliminary and Provisional Editions are noted in the “map title” in the collection inventory. This collection also includes Orthophotoquads which are 7.5-minute quadrangle black and white photographic maps created from aerial photography (USGS website). These maps can be used as an alternative to standard maps (USGS website), especially if researchers are interested in photographic features. Maps are named after a city or location within the map’s covered area, but the name does not necessarily reflect the entire contents of the map. Some map boundaries extended beyond the collection’s state-based focus area. In those cases, additional states are indicated in the scope and content field of each map. In addition to this collection inventory, an index of the state is included in the first drawer of the collection. The maps in this collection can be read using a key provided on the map. For an example of a map symbol key see https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/us-topo-map-symbol-file-sample. For more information on USGS Topographic Maps and to view the USGS TopoView database see https://libguides.usu.edu/maps/types. This database allows users to identify a map name and date based on a geographic location (either name or by navigating within a geographic interface).

Dates

  • 1949 - 2005

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on use

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.



Permission to publish material from the Arizona U.S. Geological Survey Topographic and Orthophotoquad Map Collection must be obtained from the

Biographical / Historical

This collection was created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which is the largest mapping agency in the United States. The USGS was created on March 3, 1879 with the first duty to fulfill the Land Ordinance of 1785 objective of classify public lands to be later sold. However, before the creation of the USGS, the U.S. government conducted land surveys throughout the West. Four notable surveys were conducted by Clarence King, Ferdinand V. Hayden, John Wesley Powell and Lieutenant George Wheeler (USGS website). For more information about these surveys, see https://libguides.usu.edu/westernsurveys. The USGS has been producing topographic maps since 1884 and they have become one of their most popular products. In the last century, USGS has produced more than 55,000 large-scale topographic maps (USGS website). The USGS National Map program provides a way for users to download digital and printable versions of topographic maps and some other different types of maps (USGS website). The program is for government, scholarly, Industial, and public use that may be helpful for recreational activities (USGS website). For more information about USGS map programs, see https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/usgsmaps/usgsmaps.html.

Extent

2100 Item (13 drawers; 26 folders )

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Arizona U.S. Geological Survey Topographic and Orthophotoquad Map Collection includes 2,100 maps mostly comprised of 7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale, quadrangle, topographic maps that show both natural and manmade structures. The collection also includes Preliminary Editions and Provisional Editions of the 7.5-minute topographic maps, and Orthophotoquads which are 7.5-minute black and white photographs.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetical by title of map across 26 folders and 13 drawers.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials were acquired through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and are part of the Regional Collection for Utah and Nevada. Non-duplicate maps are identified as depository property.

Title
Guide to the Arizona U.S. Geological Survey Topographic and Orthophotoquad Maps
Author
Finding aid written by Abbie Chesley and Jen Kirk.
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)