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Using the USGS    to Find 7.5' Quadrangles

There is a useful tool for finding these map names.  It is the Map Locator inside the USGS Store on the USGS website.  This particular Map Locator can be used to determine the proper 7.5' x 7.5' quadrangles (as well as 7.5' x 15' quadrangles) for the area you choose by means of an interactive map.

1. Connect to the internet and go to www.usgs.gov.

2. Click on the Publications tab at the top center of the page.  This will take you to the publications and products page.

3. The USGS Store should be listed first, click it.

   NOTE:  You do not need to order anything or login and give personal information to use the Map Locator.

4. Next click the Enter USGS Store link.

   NOTE:  Now you are in a session on the store webpage.  From this point you may use two pathways in discovering the quadrangle maps of your choice.  Here we will follow the Map Locator link.  The other pathway is a link to the GNIS Query which is directly beneath the Map Locator.  To get help utilizing the GNIS Query go to the link at the bottom section of this webpage.

5. Click the Map Locator to enter the mapping tool webpage. It will look like the following:

   "PICTURE"

6. Specify the area of your choice in the Select State or Region dropdown list.  For this example use Utah.  Clicking on the map window will also zoom in on the location you desire.

   HINT:  Using the Select State or Region dropdown list will zoom in quicker than the alternative method.

7. Continue zooming in by clicking on the Salt Lake City dot.

   NOTE:  Greater populated cities will show as red dots on the map.

   "PICTURE"

8. Continue zooming in by clicking the Provo dot.  Now the quadrangle map names appear in green on the map window.

   "PICTURE"

   The maps viewable in the window will also appear listed beneath it with their respective names and scale information.

   HINT:  If additional maps are needed it is effective to use the pan arrows on the borders of the map window.

You now have the proper names for 7.5' x 7.5' quadrangle maps.  This information is useful when looking for DEMs and DRGs since they usually are named after their respective quads (at least 7.5' quadrangles.)

USEFUL LINKS

USGS Home        USGS Store        Map Locator        GNIS Query Help