Finding Topographic Maps
Most maps circulate for one week with one renewal - check at the circulation desk for any restrictions. MIT users may suggest map purchases on the Suggested Purchase Form.
U.S. Topographic Maps
Topographic maps are received in paper format on deposit from the U.S. Geological Survey. The collection includes:
- 7.5' quadrangles (1:24,000 scale series)
- some 15' quadrangles
- some orthophoto maps and orthophoto quads
- miscellaneous topographic sheets of various scales
- The drawers are arranged by state according to the Library of Congress Map Classification Table.
- Individual map sheets are filed alphabetically (note that the drawers containing New England state maps are near the beginning of the sequence).
- Topographical map indexes are shelved outside the Map Room near the beginning of the map cases.
- Find maps by coordinates with the US Geological Survey’s State Map Lists.
Many topographic maps can also be found in electronic format:
Foreign Topographical Maps
The foreign topographical map collection is composed primarily of maps from the Army Map Service (AMS) and successor agencies. There are also some miscellaneous city plans and thematic maps.
- Maps are arranged by series number. For example, under G3200 (WORLD) there are several series, 1105, 1301, etc.
- Arrangement within the series varies; most maps are arranged by sheet number.
- To find the sheet number, see American Map Service (DMA) indexes in binders on the Map Reference shelves.
- Each index describes the series, characteristics of the maps, how much of the area has been mapped, and what is available.
- Most index sheets have a list of available maps on the verso; the list shows the Map Room's holdings.
- The index sheet title is annotated with the Library of Congress number by which the series is filed.