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Check Out Old Maps

check out old mapsThe United States Geological Survey has been creating maps since 1884, and they're all available online for free.

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How to Information

Historic USGS Maps of New England and New York

Follow this link to an online library of historic maps of the Northeast. Find your state, click “Town Index,” then select your town name to view available maps.


How to Read a Topographic Map and Contour Lines

This 12-minute video explains how to read contour lines and identify features like hills, cliffs, depressions, and drainages on a topo map. Jump to 9:20 for a summary.


Topographic Map Symbols

This 3-page PDF shows all the symbols used in topo maps and what they mean, from the common (like streams) to the unusual (like cave entrances).

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