Elevations and Distances in the United States

Introduction:

The information in this booklet was compiled to answer inquiries received by the U.S. Geological Survey from students, teachers, writers, editors, publishers of encyclopedias, almanacs, and other reference books, and people in many other fields of work.

The elevations of features and distances between points in the United States were determined from surveys and topographic maps of the U.S. Geological Survey or obtained from other sources. In most cases, the elevations were determined from surveys and from 1:24,000- and 1:25,000-scale, 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps. In Alaska, information was taken from 1:63,360-scale, 15-minute topographic quadrangle maps. In a few cases, data were obtained from older, 1:62,500-scale, 15-minute maps; these maps have been replaced with larger scale 7.5-minute coverage.

Objectives:

• Learn about the elevation and distances of major U.S. cities , mountains, and other features.
• Find information on U.S. boundary lengths. Locate and understand geographic centers. 
• Learn about the names and locations of mountain summits over 14,000 feet.

Instructions:

Use this USGS Information Site to teach students about the objectives of this lesson.