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Home Page Buttons Frequently Asked Questions

 1.  I need help using the Map Browser. Where do I go?
 2.  I want to buy a topographic map. How do I get it?
 3.  Can I use nationalatlas.gov to get driving directions between two points in the United States? (no)
 4.  What is the scale of the atlas maps?
 5.  How do I get more detailed information?
 6.  How do I find (a town, place, feature, etc.)?
 7.  I need a page-size map of the United States that I can print from my computer. Is there one on your site?
 8.  I need a zip code map of the United States. Is one included in nationalatlas.gov? (no)
 9.  Does the National Atlas include a map showing the regions of the United States? (no)
10.  How do I report a problem with the data or with nationalatlas.gov?
11.  I can't find the map I need or an answer to my question here. Who should I contact?
12.  What products and services are included in the National Atlas?
13.  Are there any restrictions on using National Atlas data and maps? (no)
14.  What is the appropriate citation for National Atlas data layers?
15.  I use a GIS. Can I order National Atlas map layers? (yes)
16.  Is the old atlas still available? (no, but...)
17.  Is the National Atlas mapping 2004 West Nile Virus information? (no)


 1. I need help using the Map Browser. Where do I go?

Please visit the Quick Introduction to Using the Map Browser. Note that this Web page also links to a comprehensive help file. If you still have questions, please contact us at atlasmail@usgs.gov.

 2. I want to buy a topographic map. How do I get it?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and thousands of USGS map dealers sell topographic maps. To locate a USGS map dealer near you, click here. USGS Earth Science Information Centers (ESICs) also sell topographic maps.  Follow this link to the ESIC home page or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.

Scanned versions of all the topographic maps are also available online. Follow this link for information on how to use the National Atlas to view a topographic map.

 3. Can I use nationalatlas.gov to get driving directions between two points in the United States?
No, this is not a function of the National Atlas. The following web sites do provide this service and we welcome information on additional sites.
Expedia
Maps On Us
MapQuest
MSN Maps and Directions

 4. What is the scale of the atlas maps?
Most of our data are collected at a scale of 1:2,000,000 and are intended for use at a national or large regional scales. In the map browser, a bar scale appears under the map.

 5. How do I get more detailed information?
The National Atlas data layers come from many different Federal agencies, and these agencies are the most appropriate sources for more detailed information. Links from nationalatlas.gov to these agency web sites are provided in several ways. The Identify function returns information with links to additional sites. There are also links provided in many of the metadata (data documentation) files. Click a map layer name in the upper right-hand frame of the interactive mapper to display its documentation.

You may also find detailed maps by searching the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse. Follow this link to the Clearinghouse.

You can also use nationalatlas.gov to view detailed aerial photographs and large-scale topographic maps. Follow this link for information on how to use the National Atlas to view aerial photos and topographic maps.

The USGS Earth Science Information Center (ESIC) also has a diverse collection of natural science information available both in digital and printed formats and at a variety of scales. Follow this link to the ESIC or call them toll-free at 1-888-ASK-USGS.

 6. How do I find (a town, place, feature, etc.)?
The National Atlas can be used to locate named places within the United States. Please follow this link for more information on the Query Function and other map browser capabilities.

 7. I need a page-size map of the United States that I can print from my computer. Is there one on your site?
Yes, please visit the printable maps page. Available are simple outline maps of the United States and reference maps. The following sites also have links to outline maps in formats appropriate for printing. We welcome information on other sites that provide similar maps.
Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection, The University of Texas at Austin
About.com Geography
Houghton Mifflin Company Education Place
National Geographic Xpeditions
Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook

 8. I need a zip code map of the United States. Is one included in nationalatlas.gov?
We do not have a zip code layer at this time. As far as we know, there are no free zip code maps available online. Several private companies sell zip code maps, either online or on CD-ROM. Follow this link to the U.S. Postal Service zip code information page.

 9. Does the National Atlas include a map showing the regions of the United States?
We have not included a "Regions" map layer because the definition of regions is highly subjective. The definition of a particular region depends on the perspective of the user, the purpose of the map, or other factors. The following sites contain more information on the determination of regions.
Helping Your Child Learn Geography, U.S. Department of Education
An Outline of American Geography, by Birdsall & Florin

10. How do I report a problem with the data or with nationalatlas.gov?
Please send comments, bug reports, suggestions for improvements, questions, and any other communications to us at atlasmail@usgs.gov. We appreciate your input and try to respond promptly to all messages.

11. I can't find the map I need or an answer to my question here. Who should I contact?
We suggest trying the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Science Information Center (ESIC). The ESIC offers nationwide information and sales service for USGS map products and natural science publications. ESIC can fill orders for custom products such as aerial photographs and orthophotoquads, digital cartographic data, and geographic names data. ESIC can also provide information about maps from other organizations.

Follow this link to the ESIC home page or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.

12. What products and services are included in the National Atlas?
Current Products and Services
Make maps - Online Interactive Maps
Since April, 1998, you've been able to make and use your own National Atlas maps. All you need is a Web browser and a connection to the Internet.
Multimedia Maps
Multimedia technologies are used to supplement and enhance cartographic information products; to tell narrative stories; to deliver interactive maps; to develop maps that show change over time; and to facilitate the visual presentation and understanding of complex geographic phenomena and relationships.
Printed Maps
In the tradition of the original National Atlas of 1970, the new atlas includes high-quality paper maps depicting a variety of national conditions. A traditional, bound collection of maps is not planned at this time.
Printable Maps
In addition to interactive maps, the National Atlas of the United States includes page-size (8.5 by 11 inch) maps designed for printing and reproduction. These maps are offered in the following file formats:
  • Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). Maps in this format can be viewed in your browser window.
  • Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader software to view and print PDF files. Get Acrobat Reader.
  • Encapsulated PostScript language file format (EPS), a format used by publishing professionals. National Atlas EPS files were generated as Adobe Illustrator 8.0 files.
Spatial Data Bases
This is a fancy phrase that means "digital map layer." Federal partners produce a wide variety of information and statistics that have a spatial component. That is, the information they collect is keyed to some location (space) in the United States. There are many different types of keys to American locations. Latitude and longitude, state and county boundaries, zip code boundaries, addresses, and the boundaries of Congressional Districts are examples of spatial keys. Any data base with a spatial component can be turned into a map. These digital map layers are available now.
Metadata
Information about a spatial data base is commonly called "metadata." For each spatial data base (map layer) included in the National Atlas we have produced a separate metadata file. Each metadata file includes information describing the contents of a map layer. Metadata files also include information describing how a map layer was made, its lineage, and its quality.
Scientific and Expository Articles:
We've been asking prospective customers to tell us what they expect from a National Atlas. In addition to interactive maps and mapping information, these people have told us that they're interested in learning more about topics that directly affect or contribute to their quality of life. They want their curiosity stimulated and they want the Atlas to raise the standard for the level of information presented and the way it is presented. These folks want a National Atlas that will enhance their knowledge of their place in society. And they want a deeper understanding of how the natural environment affects their choices and fresh insights into changes that humans have made to that environment. We will continue to supplement our cartographic products with well-written, authoritative, and provocative narratives.

13. I've noticed the little registered trademark symbol in "The National Atlas of the United States of America®." Does this mean that there are restrictions on using National Atlas data and maps?
No. Nearly all information collected by the Federal Government is in the public domain and use of data produced under this project will not be restricted in any way. Both "National Atlas of the United States®" and "The National Atlas of the United States of America® " are registered trademarks of the United States Department of the Interior. The USGS has been publishing National Atlas products since 1970 and has simply taken action to trademark this term to incorporate all new graphic and electronic products of The National Atlas of the United States of America®.

14. What is the appropriate citation for National Atlas data layers?
To cite the National Atlas, we suggest:
National Atlas of the United States, December 8, 2000, http://nationalatlas.gov
Use the date found on the bottom of the map layers warehouse page (http://nationalatlas.gov/atlasftp.html).

For individual layers, we suggest a slightly different format including the author and the layer title, and using the publication date for the individual data layer, i.e.
U.S. Geological Survey, April 10, 2000, Congressional Districts of the United States - 106th Congress, in National Atlas of the United States, http://nationalatlas.gov.
Chris Daly, Spatial Climate Analysis Service, September 2000, United States Average Annual Precipitation, 1961-1990, in National Atlas of the United States, http://nationalatlas.gov.


15. I use a geographic information system (GIS). Can I order National Atlas map layers?
Yes. Nearly all map layers presented within our online, interactive mapping system are available now. You can download these map layers at no cost using file transfer protocol or you may pay to have them delivered on compact disc. Follow this link for more information about downloading National Atlas map layers.

16. Is the old National Atlas still available?
No. The National Atlas of the United States of America® published by the USGS in 1970, is out of print. However, the Library of Congress has added the original National Atlas to its American Memory collection on the World Wide Web. Please follow this link to browse through the earlier atlas.

Also, many maps from the 1970 edition can be purchased separately. Follow this link for information on older National Atlas maps.

To locate a USGS map dealer near you, follow this link. Used or antique book stores are possible sources for the original National Atlas. Reference copies are available in many libraries.

17. Is the National Atlas mapping 2004 West Nile Virus information?
No. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is mapping 2004 West Nile Virus information. Follow this link for information on 2001 to 2004 USGS WNV maps.

National Atlas of the United States® and The National Atlas of the United States of America®
are registered trademarks of the United States Department of the Interior 
URL:  http://nationalatlas.gov/faq.html
Comments and feedback:  atlasmail
Last modification:  June 09, 2004 17:35 jmf
Frequently Asked Questions