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USGS Pricing Information: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions:
Prices for Maps and Other Products Available from the U.S. Geological Survey

Please visit the USGS Store for prices on specific map titles or call toll-free 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747).


** NOTE: The pricing information contained in this document supersedes any previously posted prices for these products.


What are the USGS map pricing policies?

  • USGS primary series topographic quadrangle maps are $8.00 per sheet (7.5 minute - 1:24,000, 1:25,000, and 1:20,000 scales; 7.5 x 15 minute - 1:25,000 scale; and Alaska 1:63,360 scale).*
  • Most other USGS map titles and scales are $9.00 per sheet (including 1:100,000-scale series, 1:250,000-scale series, state base, and smaller scale topographic maps as well as thematic maps).
  • National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) maps are $12.00 per sheet.
  • Prices for select large format maps vary by map size.
  • Prices for geologic quadrangles and thematic maps vary from $9.00 to $80.00/title depending on the number of sheets and/or whether the product is produced by print-on-demand. Print-on-demand thematic products are priced at $5.00/sq. ft..
 $7.00  $8.00  $9.00  $12.00  $15.00
 Posters  1:24,000
 1:25,000
 1:20,000
 AK 1:63,360
 1:100,000
 1:250,000
 NEIC
 USFS Visitor Paper
 (+ $2.00 Plastic)
 Historical
 US Topo
Geologic

* For detail information on US Topos, visit The National Map.

Some of the USGS state base maps at 1:1,000,000 scale come in multiple sheets (for example, Texas has four sheets). What is the price for each sheet?

  • Each sheet is $9.00 (for example, the cost is $36.00 for the complete state of Texas).

Why does USGS charge for these products when tax dollars were used to make them?

  • The pricing for these products is consistent with guidance contained in the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-130, which permits Government agencies to recover only reproduction and distribution costs from the sales of their products. Tax dollars pay for costs associated with information collection, analysis, production, and archiving.

When is another USGS map price increase expected?

  • By law, we are required to examine our prices annually to ensure all pertinent costs are being fully recovered and as a result, prices may be periodically adjusted up or down. We are constantly looking at ways to reduce our costs and increase our efficiencies in order to keep map prices as low as possible.

What are the prices for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) maps?

  • The NGA 15-minute 1:50,000 scale maps are priced at $9.00 per sheet. Pricing for other products produced by NGA will vary.
  • The World maps, including the 3-sheet and 6-sheet sets, have been reproduced by USGS and considered large format maps.
    Prices for these and other large format maps vary by map size.

Specific prices for each item is indicated with other information about the item in its individual record, visit the USGS Store.

What are the prices for the Forest Service Visitor Maps?

  • The price is $12.00 for paper editions and $14.00 for plastic editions.
  • Specialty map prices may vary; contact the USGS Business Partner team or visit visit the USGS Store for specific specialty map product prices.

What are the prices for USGS posters, books, and compact discs (CDs)?

  • USGS posters are priced at $7.00 each. Prices for USGS book and CD products vary.
  • Specific prices for each product, refer to the USGS Store or call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747). Some USGS publications are available for download free at the USGS Publications Warehouse.

What are the prices for Open File Reports (OFR) and Water Resources Investigation Reports (WRIR)?

  • Prices for OFRs and WRIRs vary by content. Many of these are printed on demand and can take up to 3 weeks for processing before shipping.
  • Specific prices for each item, call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747). Some USGS publications are available for download free at the USGS Publications Warehouse.

What is the charge for handling and shipping?

  • A $5.00 handling fee for processing is applied to each order. There is no charge for standard shipping on most domestic orders but the actual shipping charges will be applied to orders for special shipping requests.
  • Customers that require shipping outside the U.S./Mexico/Canada must provide a courier (FedEx, DHL, or UPS) account number for shipping. The $5.00 handling fee will also apply. If a courier account number cannot be obtained, the cost of shipping will be estimated or the actual cost will be applied.

How do I place an order for maps or publications?

  • Find an authorized map retailer in your area USGS Business Partners and contact them directly.
  • To order maps, publications, and other miscellaneous products on paper and CD from the USGS:
    • By mail, send your order form and payment to:
      • USGS Science Information Delivery (SID)
        Box 25286, DFC
        Denver, CO 80225
    • By fax, dial 303-202-4693 and transmit the order form.
    • Online, create and submit your order at the USGS Store.

What type of payment is accepted for maps and publications?

  • Prepayment must accompany orders for all products available from USGS. The methods of payment accepted include check, money order, or credit card.
    • Check or money order: Payment must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Make all drafts payable to Department of Interior, USGS.
    • Credit card: Payment by credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover) must include the credit card number, expiration date, and name of the cardholder.

If I order large quantities, do I get a price break?

  • Discounts are only available to Business Partners, educational institutions, Federal, State, local governments, and not-for-profit organizations. For more information call 1-888-MAP-DEAL (1-888-627-3325).

How do I obtain aerial photography data?

  • As of January 5, 2009, Photofinder (http://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/photofinder) is no longer available. The National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) and National High Altitude Photography (NHAP) aerial collections may be searched, downloaded, and/or ordered through EarthExplorer or GloVis.

How do I obtain satellite imagery data?

  • The USGS now offers all users the entire Landsat 1-5 and 7 archive data at no charge using a standard data product recipe. Previous USGS products offered are no longer available. Please visit Landsat Missions for more information. High demand for this data may result in slow performance and processing times. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Where can I find additional information about maps and publications available from the USGS?


Where can I find additional information about aerial photos and satellite data?

  • For additional information refer to USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) phone: 1-800-252-4547 or email: custserv@usgs.gov.