Students will examine a map projection of a chosen USGS topographic map versus other maps. The teacher will explain that each map is drawn according to a specific map projection. Students will be given or shown a USGS poster of numerous map projections, as well as cartography in texts to illustrate how distance, direction, angle, or area have to be distorted.

Students will examine a map projection of a chosen USGS topographic map versus other maps. The teacher will explain that each map is drawn according to a specific map projection. Students will be given or shown a USGS poster of numerous map projections, as well as cartography in texts to illustrate how distance, direction, angle, or area have to be distorted.

Map of Africa coded by the number of underweight children per square kilometer. It is thus a measure of the absolute density of hungry individuals, a combination of hunger and population density.

Map of Asia color coded by infant mortality rate broken down by nation or subnational units (akin to US states or Canadian provinces). Shows the international differences, but also shows the (less substantial) differences within nations. The categories for the color coding have been changed slightly from the international standards to better fit the situation in Asia.

Map of Europe color coded by infant mortality rate broken down by nation or subnational units (akin to US states or Canadian provinces). Shows the international differences, but also shows the (less substantial) differences within nations. The categories for the color coding have been changed from the international standards to differentiate among the universally low infant mortality rates across Europe.

Students will use an Edpuzzle video to label their own map of the United States. The video is structured so students have to pause and label ten states at a time, in alphabetical order. The outcome of this activity is a completed US map for students' later reference. The second activity is a drag and drop game in which students drag labeled states into the appropriate spot on a map of the US. (Note: The state names in the activity have been color-coded according to geographic region. Students and teachers could use this later in the year to discuss regions and state locations.)

Map shows census divisions (a variably sized region ranging from 1100 and 2.5 million people) color coded by the percentage of people living in the area that lived in a different province or territory five years ago. CDs in sparsely populated regions are excluded. The map suggests that there is a great deal of migration into Alberta -- likely to work in the oil industry.

An open source crime mapping software originally developed by the US Department of Justice.

Browse samples of USGS maps that are popular with educators. Order paper copies through this site. Where available, links are provided to pdf versions that can be freely downloaded. (Navigate to this site on your own by going to the USGS Store and clicking on "Education Products")

Use these sites to find A map!

Education "Map Catalog"-Browse USGS paper maps that are favorites with educators.

Free Digital Topographic Maps-Download free digital maps or purchase paper maps

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)-Database of all Federally recognized names of geographic features

This Dynamic Planet-World map of volcanoes, earthquakes, impact craters, and plate tectonics — our most popular map!

A Tapestry of Time and Terrain-Ages of rocks combined with elevation — an excellent teaching tool

National Geologic Map Database-Search for geologic maps

The National Map-Create and download your own high-resolution maps — best for advanced students

Geospatial Data and Mapping Websites-A PDF with links to the best USGS sources for geospatial data