You won't find topo maps viewable online, but if you are a Windows user (this stuff is NOT available for Mac) and have a bit of computer knowledge behind you, you can download free online 1:24,000 USGS maps in DRG (digital raster graphics) format, which is really just a digital version of the paper topo maps -- for many areas of the country. Most of the maps are from either 1989 or 1993.

However, know that in order to see these maps, you need to download a DRG viewer (also available online for free download) and the USGS maps are huuuuuge -- anywhere from 1 to 7 megs in size. They're listed by USGS quadrangle name, so you need to know in which quadrangle your location of interest lies before you download the maps. It can take up to an hour or more to download each one with a 28.8 modem, so you might want to find someone with a direct network connection or a really fast modem. The quality of these scanned maps are really top-rate, and they'll save you a few bucks if they're available online. They're especially helpful because you can locate specific coordinates on the maps using the DRG viewer.

To find these maps and the DRG viewer and more info on using the maps, go to http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/drg

For the link on that page to get to the available free-download USGS topos in DRG format (not every area of the country is available), go all the way to the bottom to the link called "DRG's Available Free Online."

Scott

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Posted By: 207-229-149-215.d.enteract.com - 207.229.149.215 - May 06, 1999 at 22:54:41