Fact Sheets

The "100-Year Flood"
Discusses flood cycles. FS-229-96
HTML version

Drought
Provides information on what droughts are, where they usually occur in the United States, and what can be done to solve water problems during periods of drought. FS-93-642
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 5502

Finding Your Way with Map and Compass
A topographic map tells you where things are and how to get to them whether you're hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, or just interested in the world around you.
PDF version
HTML version
(Web Only)

Floods and Flood Plains
Describes flood plains, factors that influence when or where floods occur, and how flood damage can be reduced. OFR93-641
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 5503

Historical Mapping
Maps that are out of date can be useful to historians, attorneys, environmentalists, genealogists, and others interested in researching the background of a particular area.
PDF version
HTML version
(Web Only)

How to Obtain Aerial Photographs
Includes general information on ordering aerial photographs from the USGS and a checklist to use when ordering.
PDF version
HTML version
(Web Only)

Looking for an Old Aerial Photograph
Lists sources for obtaining historical aerial photographs, including the USGS, the National Archives and Records Administration, and the Library of Congress. FS-127-96
PDF version
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 3204

Map Projection Publications
Describes nine USGS publications about map projections. FS-081-97
PDF version
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 3112

Map Scales
Explains map scales and includes a table comparing the scales of various USGS map series. FS-056-98
PDF version
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 3103

National Atlas of the United States Maps
Presents a selection of maps originally published in the National Atlas of the United States of America by the USGS in 1970. FS-086-01
HTML version
(Web Only)

National Mapping Program Fact Sheets
The National Mapping Program provides printed and digital information on mapping and all the sciences involved in creating map products.
HTML version

Selected Earth Science Publications: Fact Sheets
Describes many of the fact sheets available from the USGS National Mapping Division. FS-120-96
PDF version
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 3028

Selected Earth Science Publications: Booklets, Leaflets, and Posters
Gives descriptions and ordering information for USGS National Mapping Division booklets, leaflets, and posters. FS-100-96
EARTHFAX: 3027

U.S. Geological Survey Information Sources
Lists addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses for sources of mapping, geologic, water, and biological resources information from the USGS. FS-057-99
PDF version
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 3001

USGS Tracks Acid Rain
Explains what acid rain is, how it is formed, and what its effects are. Also gives some information on what can be done to help control acid rain. FS-183-95
EARTHFAX: 5504

What is Ground Water?
Explains how water gets into the ground. Illustrates and explains associated terms, such as water table, aquifer, permeability, and porosity. FS-93-643
HTML version
EARTHFAX: 5501