Geospatial Data and Mapping Websites
Primary sources of FREE USGS geospatial data.
The National Map
The National Map is a collaborative effort between the USGS and other federal, state, and local agencies to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date, and seamless digital map of the United States and its territories. It includes data for Boundaries, Elevation Products, Elevation Source Data (lidar), Hydrography and Watersheds, Orthoimagery, Map Indices, Geographic Names, Land Cover, Structures, and Transportation. Contours are under “Elevation Products” and lidar point clouds are under “Elevation Source Data”.
Global Elevation Data
EarthExplorer
The most robust tool for exploring and downloading USGS satellite data, aerial photography, orthoimagery, global elevations, land cover, vegetation products, and more. Data for individual bands.
GloVis
Quick search and order tool for satellite data and Digital Orthophotoquads (DOQs).
LandsatLook
Georeferenced satellite images in JPEG format for simple visual interpretation. No specialized software required.
Band designations for the Landsat satellites
Which Landsat Bands to use
National Land Cover Database
Global Landcover Data
Protected Areas Database of the U.S. (PAD-US)
Mineral Resources On-Line Spatial Data (MRDATA)
Mineral Resources, Geology, Geochemistry, and Geophysics.
National Geologic Map Database
National Water Information System
Water Resources Maps and Spatial Data
StreamStats
Streamflow statistics, basin characteristics, & more.
Maps of America's submerged lands
USGS Earthquake catalog
Quaternary Fault and Fold Database of the U.S.
Geographic Names Information System
Astrogeology GIS Lab
USGS APIs
USGS Science Data Catalog
Metadata and links to all USGS data.
Topographic maps
How to browse, freely download, or order topographic maps
How to obtain Topographic Maps
NEW: topoBuilder
Create your own custom, on demand topographic maps.
What is a US Topo Map?
What is a Historical Topographic Map?
