ABOUT THE DATABASE:

The feature that most distinguishes topographic maps from maps of other types is the use of contour lines to portray the shape and elevation of the land. Topographic maps render the three-dimensional ups and downs of the terrain on a two-dimensional surface. Topographic maps usually portray both natural and manmade features. They show and name works of nature including mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, rivers, and vegetation. They also identify the principal works of man, such as cemeteries, schools, churches, campgrounds, roads, boundaries, transmission lines, major buildings, etc. Produced at a scale of 1:24,000 (some metric maps are produced at a scale of 1:25,000), these maps are commonly known as 7.5-minute quadrangle maps because each map covers a four-sided area of 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude. Because of its large land mass and sparse population, the primary scale for mapping Alaska is 1:63,360 (1 inch represents 1 mile). Each Alaska map quadrangle covers 15 minutes of latitude. The areas covered by these maps vary from 20 to 36 minutes of longitude, depending on location. All years, revisions, and editions for the states of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois are kept. Only the most current map is kept for the remaining 45 states, US possessions, and US territories.
 

SEARCH TIPS:

GENERAL/BROWSE SEARCH: Select the name of a state, US territory, or US possession from the drop down box and leave the quadrangle name search box blank. This search will result in an alphabetical listing of all quadrangle names for that state, US territory, or US possession.

SPECIFIC QUADRANGLE NAME SEARCH: Select the name of a state, US territory, or US possession from the drop down box and type in the known quadrangle name in that state, US territory, or US possession. The search will result in finding the exact quadrangle name typed in for that state, US territory, or US possession.

Indiana State Library
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2296