Topographic Maps
What is a topographic map?
The distinctive characteristic of a topographic map is the use of elevation contour lines to show the shape of the Earth's surface. Elevation contours are imaginary lines connecting points having the same elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface, which is usually mean sea level. Contours make it possible to show the height and shape of mountains, the depths of the ocean bottom, and the steepness of slopes. (From the USGS website.)
Topographic Maps of North Carolina
Topographic maps for North Carolina are available at four different map scales.
| Scale of map | Description of scale | Purchase at our online store |
|---|---|---|
| 1:24,000 | 1 inch on the map equals about 2,000 feet on the ground, covers 7.5-minutes of latitude and longitude and roughly 9x11-13 miles of land area | Purchase NC 1:24,000 scale topographic maps |
| 1:100,000 | 1 inch on the map equals about 1.6 miles on the ground, covers 30 minutes of latitude by 60 minutes of longitude and roughly 36x56 miles of land area. | Purchase NC 1:100,000 scale topographic maps |
| 1:250,000 | 1 inch on the map equals about 4 miles on the ground, covers 1 degree of latitude by 2 degrees of longitude and roughly 72x112 miles of land area. | Purchase NC 1:250,000 scale topographic maps |
| 1:500,000 | 1 inch on the map equals about 8 miles on the ground. Covers the entire State of North Carolina. |
Indexes of NC Topographic Maps
These indexes will show the coverage area for each topographic map.
| Map Name | Download (PDF) or Purchase |
|---|---|
| 1:24,000 scale map index | Download 1:24,000-scale topographic map index |
| 1:100,000 scale map index | Download 1:100,000-scale topographic map index |
| 1:250,000 scale map index | Download 1:250,000-scale topographic map index |
| Statewide topographic map index - NC State Parks | Download topographic map index with NC State Parks shown |
| Statewide topographic map index - NC Game Lands | Download topographic map index with NC Game Lands shown |
| Statewide 1:24,000 scale map indexes by county at our online store | Download listing of county indexes |
Two-page 1:24,000-scale Statewide topographic map index Page 1 - Topographic map index grid Page 2 - Alphabetic list of quadrangle names with listing showing locations on grid of each1:24,000-scale topographic quadrangle map | Download Statewide topographic map index |
Other NC Topographic Maps
1972 Shaded Relief Map of NC as a PDF
1972 Topographic Map of NC as a PDF
1972 Planimetric Map (no contours) of NC as a PDF
Order NC Topographic Maps
You can order topographic maps by visiting the online NC Geological Survey Shop.
You can also order topographic maps by contacting Mike Medina at michael.medina@deq.nc.gov or by phone at 919-707-9203.
If you have any questions about choosing topographic maps for North Carolina, please contact Mike Medina at the above number.
US Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Maps
Visit the USGS Topographic Maps webpage to see The National Map, to create an OnDemand Topo, and to get topo maps as digital files.