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MAP RESEARCH

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Table of Contents Cover 1Table of Contents 2-4Map Research 5 Names Whatʼs in a Name? 7-8Topographic Mapping 9Historical Reports 10Claims 11 Where Can a Claim Be Located Claims 12 1872 Mining Law

Fed. Land PolicyWhatʼs A Claim?

Locating A Claim Rules for Gold PanningClaims 13 Mineral Patents Mining Law BLM Surface Use

Mining Claim Recordation Public Land Survey SystemClaims 14 Types of BLM ClaimsKids Corner 15-16Photos 17-19Libraries 20 Newspapers & Resource CollectionsColorado Area Libraries 21-24Libraries 25-26

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Interpreting Maps 27 Information on a Topo Map Grid GPS Satellite ImagesHachure Relief 28 Contour Lines

Contour Line CharacteristicsReading Topo Maps 29

Geological MapsGeological Quadrangle MapsMisc. Field Study MapsShaded Relief Map

Map Legends 30 Letter Symbols and LinesInterpreting 31 Symbols for Historic Topo Maps Bench Markers BoundariesInterpreting 32 Map KeyInterpreting 33 Map Legends Date Color Counties Latitudes and Longitude 34

Universal Traverse Mercator North Arrow Declination

Latitude and Longitude Principle Meridian 35Common Mapping Scales

Interpreting Scale 36Interpreting Maps 37-38Books 39BLM LR2000 40-42Geo Communicator Government 43-45Where Can I Get Maps 46Derivative Maps 47Government Map Research 48-57Maps Map Research 58-60BLM Royal Gorge Field Office 61BLM CO River Valley Field Office 62BLM Gunnison Field Office 62BLM Uncompahgre Field Office 63BLM White River Field Office 63BLM Little Snake Field Office 64BLM San Juan Public Lands Center 64

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BLM Grand Junction Field Office 65Colorado Maps Research 66-68Geo Caching on Public Lands 69Genealogy 70-71History 72-76Historical Mining Map Discrepancies 77-78Mining 79-86Colorado State Map Research 87-91Retail Maps 92Tourism 93Mining and Mineral Museums 94Mining Tourism 95

Historical AtlasesMining Tours 96Hints 97 US Geo Maps Library of CongressHints 98

Library of CongressU.S. Geological Survey

Hints 99 Researching Historical Maps The National Archive Hints 100-101 The National ArchivesInteractive Maps 102Advantages & Disadvantages 103-105 Different Kinds of Maps

The data is to be used for research, information, mapping, and planning purposes only. No warranty, expressed or implied, including accuracy, relevancy, timeliness, utility, or completeness of the data, maps, or information is made.. The GPOC shall not be held liable for improper use of the data described and/or contained herein. By using this data you hereby agree to these conditions. The GPOC map research is intended for research purposes only. It may not be used to create any written report for commercial purposes.

The information in this report was gathered from numerous government agencies as well as public resources. It is to be used as a resource and the accuracy is not guaranteed, nor is any

site endorsed.

Sites which I feel contain good information are marked with a check mark.

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The first explorers of Colorado were also map makers. Their maps and others serve as a portal for today’s research of geological and mining locations.

Geological maps are valuable for scientific and academic research as well as for the research that might be done by small scale miners. The purpose of geological maps has changed through time as the uses of the land in Colorado has changed. In the early territory days of Colorado geological maps focused on valuable mining resources located in the rocky high country because minerals were the primary industry. As the exploration for fuel resources became more prominent, geologic mapping began to focus on the lower sedimentary basins. Today, the historical geological maps are still of value to the small scale miner because of their historical documentation.

In your research you may come across names or locations which no longer exist. It might be the name of a

gold mine you’d like to learn more about, or maybe you have the name of a business but have no idea where it was located. Current on-line maps may help you get started on your research when you look at names on the maps.

Travelers on the Santa Fe Trail called the “Purgatorie River” the “Picketwire River”. You will find “Picketwire Canyon lands" on modern maps o f Lo s An imas County. According to legend, a group of Spanish soldiers died in the Purgatoire River Valley while looking for lost treasures in the 17th century. Without having the benefits of clergy to perform their last rites, these men would be lost souls, banished to Purgatory. After this, the river became known as "El Rio de las Perdidas en Purgatorio," the River of Lost Souls in Purgatory. By the 18th

century, adventurous Frenchman began to hunt and trap in this area and called the river Purgatoire (French for Purgatory). Then, as the area became settled, the French pronunciation was corrupted into Picket Wire. (USFS)

On today’s maps you will find Picket Wire, Picketwire, Canyonlands and Canyon Lands. Canyon is the most common altered name in Colorado. Canon, Canyon and cañon should be used interchangeably. Canon was derived from the Spanish word cañon meaning canyon. If you aren’t confused now you will be later. It is to be hoped that the resources provided in this article will help clarify some of your map research making your mining exploration more successful.

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Names on maps are important for many reasons, and one reason you might need in your mining research is territorial boundaries. The early territories in Colorado demonstrate the conflict over the ownership of land and boundaries. The original 16 counties in Colorado were difficult to define because they were being newly surveyed and explored. Both Larimer and Grand County claimed land which contained valuable mineral resources. In 1886 the Colorado Supreme Court awarded the valuable land to Larimer County. Cache Creek is a good example of the changing boundary lines as it was originally located in Lake County when the boundaries were changed Cache Creek was in Chaffee County.

There are a variety of reasons why names are on maps, for example because of a physical land feature, individuals associated with a mineral discovery, relationship to a stage coach, railroad or supply route, etc. Many years ago, an army expedition explored Colorado, going from Fort Bridger, Wyo., to old Fort Massachusetts, Colorado. In this area are bad lands, eroded into curious forms, which suggest a ruined city, and the commander of the expedition gave the locality the name of Goblin City, which appeared on his map. The map makers, in their haste to fill up the blanks in this unsettled region, jumped to the conclusion that this was a bona fide settlement, and gave it a place on their maps-a place which it has kept. Not only did the commercial maps makers, fall into this error, but such authorities as the United States Engineer Office and General Land Office adopted the name. The name was gradually changed from Goblin to Golin, and then to Golden City. While more than one enterprising map maker, assuming probably that a city cannot

exist without means of communication with other settlements, constructed on paper a road down the White River to it which was carefully copied onto other maps by other map makers. It is scarcely necessary to add, that there is not, and never was, a settlement in this locality. On the map of Colorado in 1901 appeared the name Kahnah Creek, applied to a small branch of Gunnison River. 'The word Kahnah, in the Ute language, means, "I don't know," and was the answer given by an Indian when asked the name of the stream. This story is capped by the name Pah River, applied by an early army explorer to the North Fork of the Gunnison. It seems that, pointing to the stream, the explorer asked a Ute Indian its name. " Pah," answered the Indian. Pah is the Ute word for water.

Place names have changed over time and with the use of reference resources you may be able to find alternate spellings. Cache Creek can be listed as Cash Creek; an 1884 map by Neil Louis lists it as Cash Creek, as well as an 1867 War Dept. Map listing it as Cash Creek. Reflect on the number of Spanish names found in Colorado and their often mispronunciation. They may or may not have been named by a particular culture and thus they are not pronounced or spelled correctly. Imagine my confusion when we arrived over 24 years ago in Colorado Springs. I kept looking for “Will-a-met” and could not find it. That is because I had lived in Oregon and was familiar with the “Willamette”.

“Maps are like milk: their information is perishable, and it is wise to check the date.”Mark Monmonier

What’sIn A Name?

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Pedestals of Jurassic sandstone and mudstone. Goblin Valley, San Rafael Swell. Emery County, Utah. February 1966. USGS ID. Hamilton, W.B. 1736cthwb01736

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Additional Factorswith old mining maps

Maps are subject to distortion by the person who created them often to influence public opinion. The cartographer might have generalized his map to hide features that he did not want to disclose.

Maps can distort the size, shape, distance and direction of an area. You need to keep an open mind in your interpretations.

Numerous handbooks that were printed during the “Pike’s Peak or Bust” gold rush were written by individuals who had never visited the area, but were quick to give directions and suggestions. The pressure was on to produce maps for the thousands participating in the gold rushes and as a result accuracy was compromised.

The techniques and knowledge about the Colorado Territory were just emerging and those surveying or writing about the area were using limited knowledge and resources.

Many libraries have the current edition of The Map Catalog: Vantage Press, a division of Random House, New York, 1990. This book describes features and sources worldwide of new and old maps, atlases, and related information. It has sections on researching old maps, history maps, maps of the United States and of foreign countries, State, and provincial maps, county maps, urban maps, city plans, boundary maps, census maps, railroad maps, topographic maps, etc.

Place Namestransform through time

Place names are artifacts that evolve through time due to a variety of circumstances. The purpose of a place may have changed such as from a gold mine to a silver mine. Ownership changes will cause name changes, and you will find that there were numerous foreign investors as well as investors from out of state that were involved in the mines in Colorado. This may increase the difficulty of your search when having to go through more wide-ranging records. In Rocky Mountain National Park Lily Mountain has gone through numerous name changes. You will find a variety of spellings, Lillie, Lilly, Lily and Lillie and it was not until the Colorado Geographic Board stepped in and labeled it Lily Mountain that its name was permanent. Maps of the 17th, 18th, and 19th-century reflect a variety of names being applied to the modern day Colorado River and its tributaries as cartographers learned or made-up the geography. It was commonly known as Tizon since 1540. Jedediah Smith named it Seedskeedee, but he also noted that the natives called it Colorado.

Frequently, there are patterns in how geographic features are named. Names can give clues as to the geological features of an area such as valley, creek, plateau, placer, etc. Mountains and other land forms are usually named after their physical description or their location. Green Mountain Creek was named for the nearby Green Mountain. Golden Gate Canyon took its name from Gold Gate City named for Tom Golden. In Boulder County there is a Lick Skillet Gulch, supposedly miners didn’t do dishes! A peak named 71 in Colorado is so named because when its gullies fill with snow they form the number 71.

Numerous mines were named after their discoverers. Ralston Diggins was named after Lewis A. Ralston who discovered gold there

on 6/22/1850. In Park County there was a Chinamen’s Gulch which was a Chinese town. There were many Chinese miners in the area.

West of Nederland is the town of Eldorado. Eldorado originally was Happy Camp but its name was changed in the 1890s during a gold boom, to the more prosperous name of a Spanish American city. Ironically Eldorado’s mail was confused with another town in California and the name was shortened to Eldora. Supposedly one miner felt divine guidance had led him to his discovery and thus the town of Providence.

Though their names have changed, some of these places may be noted on an old map. The location of some others may be found in sources such as lists of abandoned post offices, local histories, government records, microfilm records, or clippings from old newspapers, old city directories, or old county atlases kept in

the library archives of a town, city, or county in the region.

The best place to begin research is at a local public or college library. As a first step, you may want to consider locating some of the following books, all of which are good sources of information.

Map Collections in the United States and Canada: A Directory (compiled by David K. Carrington and Richard W. Stephenson)

Antique Map Reproductions: A Directory of Publishers & Distributors of Antique Map, Atlas & Globe Facsimiles & Reproductions (edited by Gregory C. McIntosh)

Guide to U.S. Map Resources (edited by David A. Cobb)

Some map makers make their maps incorrect to keep people from locating information

Even the most accurate map maker cannot eliminate distortion

Artistic renditions and reality can have different perspectives

Maps can and do have errorsthat can be copied from map to map

Information can be distorted and biased. What was the purpose of the map?

Let us look at the map, for maps, like faces, are the signature of

history.Will Durant

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✓Colorado Places by County The US GenWeb Projecthttp://cogenweb.com/coplaces/

These pages provide a directory to Colorado place names and show the county in which that place exists or existed..

Colorado Place Names (Toponymy)http://www.usends.com/Explore/Colorado/placenames.html

This site list extensive pronunciations and spellings. Spanish, French and Indian Names are given. Providing an interesting history of the where the names came from.

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, Yale U.http://peabody.research.yale.edu/COLLECTIONS/gnis/

Jefferson County Place Nameshttp://www.co.jefferson.co.us/placenames/

Gives history and name origin if available for towns, ranches, campgrounds, streets, buildings etc.

National Archives, Record Group 28, Records of the Post office Department Division of Topography 1773-1971http://arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=357&jScript=true

✓Place Names In Colorado Western History and Genealogy Denver Libraryhttp://history.denverlibrary.org/research/place_names/index.html

✔USGS Board on Geographic Nameshttp://geonames.usgs.gov/

A search entry of Park County, Colorado, Mines yielded several mines. When clicking on the Sweethome mine as an example, specific information including its location, coordinates, elevation and citations were listed. In addition mapping services are available which will link to a display of the location in US mapping services.The original program of names standardization addressed the complex issues of domestic geographic feature names during the surge of exploration, mining, and settlement of western territories after the American Civil War. Inconsistencies and contradictions among many names, spellings, and applications became a serious problem to surveyors, map makers, and scientists who required uniform, non-conflicting geographic nomenclature.

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Local and State Maps

They can be the most detailed maps and are easy to find• To find a map of a certain feature of the

infrastructure, first determine which agency is responsible (BLM, Forest Service, etc.)

• Since post 9/11 it is difficult to find information regarding pipelines and utilities

• States usually maintain road maps/data• Local (city & county) entities maintain water/

sewage systems, local roads, zoning, open space, etc.

• Some maps/data are free or available at low costs• (Chamber of Commerce, Tourist sites, AAA, etc.)

The Town Lot shaft house of the Wolf Tongue Mining Company. Nederland, Boulder County, Colorado. September 3, 1909. USGS

ID. Hess, F.L.  407 hfl00407

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Because the USGS began making topographic maps soon after its creation in 1879 and continues to do so today, these maps provide over a century of historical snapshots of any community, region, or landform. Almost 2 million natural and manmade features are identified in the USGS topographic map series. These geographic names form a primary reference system essential for the communication of cartographic information. Beyond map labeling, geographic names are part of the Nation's living heritage. The origins and meanings of geographic names, derived from many languages, show national, personal, and social ingredients of life, past and present. Some of the oldest geographic names found on U.S. maps are from Native American languages. Names like Adirondack, Chippewa, Chesapeake, Shenandoah, Choctaw, Yukon, and the names of 28 States are derived from various Native American languages. U. S. Geographic names are often rich in description, local color, and national history. Names like Gold

Hill, Nugget Gulch, Golden City, Golden Park, Big Hill, Sunnyside in Colorado all paint descriptive pictures of the places, features, and areas they represent. Pope’s Nose, Lost Trail, Wagon Wheel Gap, Bonanza, Pleasant Valley, Free Gold, Rattlesnake Park (all in Colorado in the 1880s), evoke the dreams, fears, and color of the frontier.

The standardization of geographic names in the United States began late in the 19th century. The surge in mapping and scientific activities after the Civil War left the accuracy and spelling of a large number of names in doubt. This posed a serious problem to mapmakers and scientists who require nonconflicting nomenclature. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names was established in 1890 as the central authority to deal with naming conflicts. This interagency body, chaired by the U.S. Department of the Interior, helps standardize the spelling and application of geographic names on maps and documents published by the U.S. Government.

Topographic MappingU.S. Geological Survey

A geological party on its way to map the Cripple Creek mining district, Colorado, 1893.USGS

“In making general maps of a mining district, only monuments and important locations need be accurately shown. This accurate work which is the first to be done forms a skeleton on which to make a general map. The topography can be filled in by a transit fitted with stadia hairs and a compass”

The Principles and Practice of Surveying 1917

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Mining Reporter July to December 1905Notable lack of accurate mine maps

Our attention is not infrequently called to a deplorable accident or an abandoned project due primarily to a lack of careful records of former underground operations. This is a form of improvidence that is not at all in keeping with the scientific spirit of modern mining, yet we fear that it is altogether too prevalent. Mining operations are in the nature of an investigation of unknown regions, and as such, require that a careful record be kept of the ground covered and the results obtained. This is necessary not only as a protection to subsequent investigators working along the same line, but as a means of providing an accurate historical record for the guidance of the operator in his future work. Cases may arise, furthermore, wherein the failure to have provided such maps and records may defeat the consummation of a project of great economic importance to the mine or the district in which it is situated.

Within the past few weeks two instances have been cited which clearly illustrate these contentions. Our readers may recall the death of two California miners, who, while driving a tunnel to tap the shaft workings for the purpose of unwatering them, suddenly and unexpectedly reached their goal only to be overwhelmed by the pent-up waters in which they met their death. It is quite certain that had accurate mine maps been available, this accident would not have happened.

A later instance, and one of slightly different character, is that of the Sinker tunnel in Owyhee County, Idaho. This is one of the important projects of the state, and was being driven to provide drainage for the mines on War Eagle Mountain, but the authorities have considered it necessary to suspend operations owing to the danger of encountering water in shafts and drifts of which no accurate survey exists. In fact, the danger is so apparent that it has been difficult to

obtain men to continue operations. Thus the indifference and carelessness of a few former operators render impossible the completion of a scheme which would benefit the entire community.

In these two instances we see not only the advantage which would accrue from more attention to this phase of mining, but also the obligation which devolves upon the miner to conduct his operations in the most scientific and painstaking manner. The ordinary physical hazards of mining are sufficiently great without being increased by neglect of precautions that are within the reach of all. Again, the financial risks are such that advantage should be taken of every opportunity to secure, while they may be had, such data and statistics as may have an economic bearing on the mine or the district.

Transactions of theAmerican Institute of Mining Engineers

Vol. XL, 1910

Inadequate SystemAn entirely inadequate system for

filing maps and survey records of abandoned mines with either the county or the State authorities. The absence of definite knowledge compels a new adjacent mine, as a matter of safety, to keep farther away from an old abandoned mine, which may be full of water or gas, than would be necessary. At present it is impossible to find any map of a mine abandoned some years back. There is also insufficient attention paid to compelling operators of mines that are about to be abandoned to bring up the mine-surveys in a careful manner. In my opinion, the preservation of mine maps is properly a function for the State, as it is now for a county to record deeds, and there should be a permanent bureau established for the proper recording of the surveys and maps of abandoned mines. This bureau also should take charge of and systematically file the maps of " going" mines.

Transactions of theAmerican Institute of Mining Engineers

Vol. XL, 1910

Mine MappingMany years ago most mining

companies thought it amply sufficient to have a surface-map of their properties and a composite map showing the different underground workings in their mines. Today, almost every important concern maintains, in addition to the above, both stope and assay maps, while many of the larger companies add individual-level horizontal and vertical cross-section maps showing the underground geology in full. Upon these maps conventional designs in black ink are used to designate the various rocks, while the different veins or vein-systems are shown in colors. These sections are frequently drawn also upon glass sheets, which are then inserted in wooden frames provided with vertical or horizontal slots or grooves cut at the proper relative distances apart to correspond with any desired planes of cross-section or with the working-levels of the mines in question. (The WMMI has an example of one of these)

Engineering and Mining Journal, vol. 29 May 8, 1890Pocket Maps

Mr. H. L. Thayer, of Leadville, Colorado, sends us specimens of his new pocket-maps of Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. The latter shows the land-offices, townships, county-seats, cities and towns, railroad limits, military reservations, Indian reservations, private grants, and so on. (The amount of land in New Mexico covered by private grants of Spanish origin is quite astonishing.) Mr. Thayer's map of Colorado has been compiled from recent surveys, and represents, on a scale of fourteen miles to the inch, with considerable detail the general topography of the State. Tourists, residents, and persons interested by investment or otherwise in the regions covered by these maps will find them valuable.

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There are Federally administered lands in 19 states where you may locate a mining claim or site. These states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In these states, the BLM manages the surface of public land and the Forest Service manages the surface of National Forest System (NFS) land. The BLM is responsible for the subsurface on both public and NFS land.

Only public domain minerals are locatable minerals (those minerals that have never left federal ownership). Reconveyed minerals are considered public domain minerals under the mining laws. Mining claims cannot be staked on acquired minerals; a prospecting permit (43 CFR 3500) is required to prospect for acquired minerals. Mining claims can be located on open public land administered by another federal agency (most commonly on Forest Service land).

You may prospect and locate claims and sites on public and NFS land open to mineral entry. Claims may not be located in areas closed to mineral entry by a special act of Congress, regulation, or public land order. These areas are said to be "withdrawn" from mineral entry.

Land withdrawn for power development may be subject to mining entry and claim location only under certain conditions.

There is usually a ¼-mile buffer zone withdrawn from location of mining claims on either side of a river while the river is being studied for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic River System. Additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System are withdrawn to mining claim location at the time of designation by Congress. Mining activities are permitted only on those mining claims that can show proof of discovery either (1) by December 31, 1983, or (2) on the date of designation as wilderness by Congress.

Where Can a Claim be Located?mining claims and sites on federal lands

Areas withdrawn from location of mining claims include:

• National Parks• National Monuments• Indian reservations• Most reclamation projects under the

Bureau of Reclamation• Military reservations• Scientific testing areas• Most wildlife protection areas managed

by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Mining claims may not be located on land that has been:

• Designated by Congress as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System

• Designated as a wild portion of a Wild and Scenic River, or

• Withdrawn by Congress for study as a Wild and Scenic River

photo by Lin Smith

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General Mining Lawof 1872

The federal law governing locatable minerals is the General Mining Law of 1872 (May 10, 1872), which declared all valuable mineral deposits in land belonging to the United States to be free and open to exploration and purchase.

The General Mining Law of May 10, 1872, as amended (30 U.S.C. 29 43 CFR 3833) is the major Federal law governing locatable minerals. This law allows citizens of the United States the opportunity to explore for, discover, and purchase certain valuable mineral deposits on those Federal lands that are open for mining claim location and patent (open to mineral entry). These mineral deposits include most metallic mineral deposits and certain nonmetallic and industrial minerals. The law sets general standards and guidelines for claiming the possessory right to a valuable mineral deposit discovered during exploration. The General Mining Law allows for the enactment of State laws governing location and recording of mining claims and sites that are consistent with Federal law. The Federal Regulations implementing the General Mining Law are found at Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in Groups 3700 and 3800.

Federal Land Policy & Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)

This Act did not amend the 1872 law, but did affect the recordation and maintenance of claims. Persons holding existing claims were required to record their claims with BLM by October 1979, and all new claims were required to be recorded with BLM. FLPMA’s purpose was to provide BLM with information on the locations and number of unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to determine the names and addresses of current owners, and to remove any cloud of title on abandoned claims.

What is a Mining Claim?

A mining claim is a parcel of land for which the claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract a discovered, valuable, mineral deposit. This right does not include exclusive surface rights (see Public Law 84-167).

Locatable minerals include both metallic minerals (gold, silver, lead, etc.) and nonmetallic minerals (fluorspar, asbestos, mica, etc.). It is nearly impossible to list all locatable minerals because of the complex legal requirements for discovery.

Locating amining claim

Before you can locate a claim, you must determine if the lands are open to mining. You can find this out at any BLM office. No claims can be staked in areas closed to mineral entry under certain acts, regulations, or public land orders (such areas are referred to as withdrawn lands). The BLM Colorado State Office and field offices have appropriate land and mineral status maps and records for you to make this determination.

On lands open to location, you may prospect and properly locate claims and sites. If lands have already been claimed, you may want to find another location. The Colorado State Office maintains a record of these locations on their LR 2000 database.

If your parcel of land is open to location, the next step is staking the claim. Federal law specifies that claim boundaries must be distinctly and clearly marked to be readily identifiable. Colorado statutes have more detailed requirements for marking boundaries. For specific state requirements, contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety at (303) 866-3567 or www.mining.state.co.us .Recordation of mining claims -- location certificates for claims and sites must be recorded with

BOTH the county recorder's office as well as the Colorado State Office of the BLM. Briefly, the state's deadlines for locations are:

LODE CLAIMS - 3 months to monument, claim, and record location certificate with the county; andPLACER CLAIMS - 30 days to monument, claim, and record location certificate with the county.BLM's deadlines for location are: ALL CLAIMS AND SITES - 90 days from date of location to record claims with the BLM Colorado State Office.

No specific form for location certificates is required, but the basic information can be found in Public Land Regulations at 43 CFR 3833.11. It can also be found in the circular Mining Claims and Sites on Federal Lands available through the Colorado State Office. Each location or site must be accompanied by a $15 nonrefundable processing fee, a $34 refundable location fee, and the first year's maintenance fee payment of $140 for a total of $189. A separate location notice is required for each claim or site recorded.

Rules for Gold Panningdredging and sluicing

Gold panning and non-mechanized sluicing using intake pipe of 4-inches or less diameter are unregulated and allowed in most locations on BLM-managed lands without a permit.

Recreational dredging and sluicing are regulated, and all dredgers operating on BLM-managed lands must contact local field offices and submit a notice or obtain a permit before work begins.

Casual use activities are typically limited to battery-operated equipment, dry washers, and equipment that uses recycling processes. Casual use refers to activities resulting in negligible disturbance to public lands.USGS

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Mineral PatentsBLM

A patented mining claim is one for which the Federal Government has passed its title to the claimant, making it private land. A person may mine and remove minerals from a mining claim without a mineral patent. However, a mineral patent gives the owner exclusive title to the locatable minerals. In most cases, it also gives the owner title to the surface and other resources. Requirements for filing mineral patent applications may be found at 43 CFR 3860.

Mineral Patent Moratorium:

Effective October 1, 1994, Congress imposed a moratorium on spending appropriated funds for the acceptance or processing of mineral patent applications that had not yet received First Half Final Certificate (FHFC) or were not in Washington, D. C. for Secretarial review of FHFC on or before September 30, 1994. Until the moratorium is lifted, the BLM will not accept any new applications.

Mining Law BLMSurface Management

This program area concerns authorizing and permitting of mineral exploration, mining, and reclamation actions on the public lands administered by BLM. It is mandated by section 302(b) of FLPMA (43 USC 1732[b] and 603[c]; 43 CFR 3802 and 43 CFR 3809). All operations of any nature that disturb the surface of the mining claim or site require authorization. The necessary authorizations and permits are obtained through the proper BLM field office.

The BLM regulations establish three levels of authorization, (1) casual use, (2) notice level, and (3) plans of operations. Casual use involves minor activity with hand tools, no explosives, and no mechanized earth moving equipment. No permit is required. Notice level activities involve use of explosives and/or earth moving equipment. The total annual unreclaimed surface disturbance must not exceed 5 acres per calendar year. A plan of operations is required for all other surface disturbance activities. A full environmental assessment and reclamation bonding are required.

Surface Use/OccupancyBLM

This program area concerns the proper occupation (residency or seasonal occupation of mining claims by mining claimants. It is administered pursuant to the Surface Resources Act of 1955 (30 USC 611-615; 43 CFR 3715). It provides that if you live on a mining claim or site, the occupation must be justified as reasonably incident to mining and exploration and that no other reasonable options for shelter are available while working the claims. The occupation must be authorized by the proper field office through a notice or plan of operations. There are severe penalties for unauthorized residences and occupancies (see the regulations at 43 CFR 3715).

Public Room - Information Access Center2850 Youngfield StreetLakewood, Colorado 80215Hours: 9 am - 4 p.m.,  Monday - FridayPhone: 303-239-3600

Mining Claim RecordationBLM When a mining claim is filed with the BLM it will be recorded in the BLM’s automated Mining Claim System, called the Legacy Rehost2000 or LR2000.

• The mining claimant will file a detailed map of the location which will remain in the case file at the BLM State office.

• LR2000 will record the MC land description only to the quarter section.

• After the mining claim is recorded in LR2000 it may be automatically recorded in NILS GeoCommunicator after a few weeks.

• Not all mining claims that are in LR2000 can be converted into NILS GeoCommunicator.

• The main reason they fail is that NILS GeoCommunicator doesn’t contain a PLSS land description for the area. PLSS stands for the Public Land Survey System.

• PLSS is a rectangular-based system that is used to survey the land.

Public Land Survey System

A set of baselines and principal meridians that define rectangular divisions of land.

Townships nominally 6 miles x 6 miles.

Townships divided into 36 sections. Sections can be further subdivided in quarter quarters

A claim may have multiple records if it lies in more than one section. Records are coded as follows: First record = 020 Second record= 021 Third record = 022 Fourth record= 023

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Two Types of Mining Claims• Lode Claims-Deposits subject to lode claims

include classic veins or lodes having well-defined boundaries. They also include other rock in-place bearing valuable minerals and may be broad zones of mineralized rock. Examples include quartz or other veins bearing gold or other metallic minerals and large volume, but low-grade disseminated gold deposits. Descriptions are by metes and bounds surveys beginning at the discovery point on the claim and including a reference to natural objects or permanent monuments. Federal statute limits their size to a maximum of 1500 feet in length, and a maximum width of 600 feet (300 feet on either side of the vein).

• Placer Claims - Placer claims are defined as "...including all forms of deposit, excepting veins of quartz, or other rock in-place." In other words every deposit, not located with a lode claim, should be appropriated by a placer location. Placer claims, where practicable, are located by legal subdivision (aliquot part and complete lots). The maximum size is 20 acres per locator, and the maximum for an association placer is 160 acres for 8 or more locators. The maximum size in Alaska is 40 acres. The maximum size for a

corporation is 20 acres per claim. Corporations may not locate association placers unless they are in association with other locators or corporations as co-locators.

Two Other Types of Mineral Entries

• Mill Sites - A mill site must be located on "non-mineral land" and must be noncontiguous to the lode or placer with which it is associated. Its purpose is to support a lode or placer mining operation. A mill site must include the erection of a mill or reduction works and/or may include other uses in support of a mining operation. Descriptions are by metes and bounds if on unsurveyed land and by legal subdivision if on surveyed land (described the same as placer claims). The maximum size is 5 acres.

• Tunnel Sites - A tunnel site is a subsurface right-of-way under Federal land open to mineral entry. It is used for access to lode mining claims or to explore for blind or undiscovered veins, lodes, or ledges not currently claimed or known to exist on the surface. A tunnel site can be up to 3,000 feet in length.

Types of ClaimsBLM

Method of Describing Placer Mining Claims and Mill Sites.

Drawing of an ideal lode mining claim(Metes and Bound Survey Method

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Figure 2. Methods of Describing Placer Mining Claimsand Mill Sites

Mill Sites must be located on non-mineral land. Themill site may be located in the same manner as a lodeor a placer mining claim. Its purpose is to either:• Support a lode or placer mining claim mining

operation; or• Support itself independent of any particular claim by

custom milling or reduction of ores from one ormore mines.

A mill site must either include the erection of a mill forgrinding, crushing, flotation, or chemical processing of

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40 ACRE PLACER CLAIM(2 locators) NW1/4 NW1/4SEC.20, T.10S., R21E., MDM

160 ACRE PLACER CLAIM(8 locators) SW1/4SEC.20, T.10S., R21E., MDM

ONE SECTION (1sq. mile = 640 acres)

MOUNT DIABLO MERIDIAN (MDM)T.10 S., R. 21 E., Section 20

20 ACRE PLACER CLAIM(1 locator) E1/2 NE1/4 NE1/4SEC.20, T.10S., R21E., MDM

5 ACRE MILL SITE(All Types)S1/2 SW1/4 NW1/4 NE1/4SEC.20, T.10S., R21E., MDM

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Drawing of a section of land showing types of placermining claims and a mill site. The legal descriptionmethod is based on the U.S. Public Land Survey.

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Discovery monument

Corner monument

End line monumentCenterline of claim(Centerline of vein, ledge,lode, tabular deposit, or zone)

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Drawing of an ideal lode mining claim (Metes andBounds survey method) in California (Cal. Pub. Res.Code, Chapt. 4, Sec. 2316).

Most State laws require conspicuous and substantialmonuments for all types of claims and sites.

NOTE: Many States have other requirements for monuments. Other

forms of monuments can be used in California as long as they are

conspicuous and substantial. Due to wildlife fatalities, BLM does

not allow the use of perforated or uncapped pipe as monuments,

corner posts, or side line posts.

Figure 1. Example of Methods of MonumentingMining Claims in California

MiningDoc 11/1/04 4:14 PM Page 9Each claim has one record for each owner. The first owner is coded beginning with "100" and are numbered sequentially upward as necessary. R_TYP= 100 (first owner) R_TYP= 101 (second owner) R_TYP= 102 (third owner)

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BLM Learning Landscapes Colorado Educational Programs/Resourceshttp://www.blm.gov/education/LearningLandscapes/menu/states/colorado.html

Doing History, Keeping the Pasthttp://hewit.unco.edu/dohist/mining/themes.htm

A Colorado history site for kids. (But, Big Kids can visit too!) Colorado Mining.

USGS Geography Ed. Materialshttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/pubslists/edu.html

Map Adventures, Global Change, Map Adventures, Volcanoes, Exploring Maps

The Encyclopedia of Earthhttp://www.eoearth.org/A electronic reference about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society. The articles are written in non-technical language and will be useful to students, educators, scholars, professionals, as well as to the general public.

Using GPS & GIS in Education Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nygps/The use of GPS (Global Positioning System) and the Internet for math, science, and social studies instruction

Colorado's Geography: Mapping Our Past University of Northern ColoradoNational Geographic Society's Colorado Geography Education Fund

http://geography.unco.edu/mapco/default.htmColorado's Geography: Mapping Our Past is a set of activities for elementary- and middle-grades students to explore Colorado's historical geography. The project includes standards-based geography content and geographic information science (GIS) mapping technology. Units cover Colorado's regions and environment and historical changes in its population, transportation, and economic resources.

National Biological Information Infrastructurehttp://kids.nbii.gov/index.html

Create an animal coloring book, learn about invasive species, read stories about interesting animals, play nature games, test your knowledge of the natural world, make cool stuff and more...

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American Recreation Coalitionoutdoor recreationhttp://www.funoutdoors.com/

CO Kids Outdoor Bill of Rightshttp://www.funoutdoors.com/node/view/2438

An exciting new initiative aims to incorporate environmental education, both in and out of the classroom, into the last few days of the school year. ED OUT is an optimal partnership opportunity for many federal agencies,

and they are eager to join a program that provides an exciting learning experience in the final days of the school year, introduces students to careers within their agency while building an appreciation for how those careers are important to the nation, challenges the trend toward sedentary, indoor lifestyles, and offers students concrete and stimulating ways to keep learning during the summer months and gain knowledge directly tied to the subsequent academic year's curriculum.

BLMEnvironmental Educationhttp://www.blm.gov/education/00_kids/contents.html

BLM GETOUTdoors USA!http://www.getoutdoorsusa.org/kids_corner/In the Get Outdoors USA! Kids Corner, children can discover the Great Outdoors with a simple click of their mouse. This list of kid-friendly links to online sites and games provides endless fun and teaches about the wonders of the outdoors.

GEO Coachinghttp://www.geocaching.com/

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.

Google Earthhttp://earth.google.com/Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.

Google Map Pedometerhttp://www.trails.com/googlemap.aspx

NASA for Kidshttp://www.jpl.nasa.gov/kids/

Houghton Mifflin Geonethttp://www.eduplace.com/geonet/index/html

National Geographic Kidshttp://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

National Park ServiceFun Guidehttp://www.nps.gov/learn/gozone.htm

National Park ServiceWeb Rangershttp://www.nps.gov/webrangers/This is the National Park Service's on-line Junior Ranger program for kids of all ages. If you love your National Parks, Monuments and Historic Sites, this site is for you.

Smithsonianhttp://smithsonianeducation.org/students/index.html

United States Dept. Of LaborMine Safetyhttp://www.msha.gov/kids/kidshp.htm

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You are never too young or too old to pan!

National Park Service Teaching With Historic Placeshttp://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/

Colorado Geographic Alliancehttp://www.uccs.edu/~coga/

Sponsored by the National Geographic Education Foundation.

photo by Lin Smith

photo by Lin Smith

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Aerial Photographs of Coloradohttp://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/aerialphotos/about.asp#collectionThe Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences and Map Library at the University of Colorado has a collection of aerial photographs taken from 1938 through the 1970s.

Art Source Internationalhttp://www.artsourceinternational.com/historic_photo.cfm

Over the last 25 years Art Source International has accumulated over 2000 original glass plates, negatives and original photographs of Colorado. The photographs date from around 1865 to 1940. This collection includes photographs by well known western photographers such as William Henry Jackson, J.B. Sturtevant (a.k.a. Rocky Mountain Joe), Louis McClure, along with many one of a kind images. Many of the photographs illustrate historic Boulder, Denver, and Aspen as well as over 50 other Colorado towns. Other photos include towns that time forgot, industries, and landscapes from Colorado.

✓Association of American Geographers Places On Linehttp://www.placesonline.org/sitelists/nam/usa/colorado/colorado.asp

Historic Colorado Photographs. A large and high quality collection of historical photos taken between 1865 and 1940. Indexed by over one hundred places in the state. Great links to places around the state and historical references.

BLM Photo Libraryhttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/bpd.html

✔Colorado Atlas of Panoramic Aerial Imageshttp://130.166.124.2/co_panorama_atlas/index.html

Great color aerial views. The atlas contains approximately 1700 computer generated panoramas that portray every square foot of the state's mountain and neighboring high plains counties. If you want to see the stream beds and how they run this is a great place to start.

Colorado Geology Photo journals http://www.cliffshade.com/colorado/

Colorado Historical Societyhttp://www.coloradohistory.org/chs_Library/photographs.htm

The 750,000 photographs and 250,000 negatives in the Colorado Historical Society's photograph collection reflect Colorado history from the earliest times to the present. The photographs show the growth and development of Colorado, its people, industries, agriculture and communities.

Colorado State Archiveshttp://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/tour/post.htmDigital Records of agriculture, buildings, business, cities & towns, education, governor & legislature, military mining, officials, parks & recreation, places, social concern, transportation, and water.

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✓Denver Public Libraryhttp://history.denverlibrary.org/images/index.html

Digital Image Collection Over 120,000 of the images in the collection have been digitized and are available for viewing online in the Digital Image Catalog (formerly Photos west).

Hal Post Mining Artifactshttp://www.halslamppost.com/

Great collection of old catalogs for history references.

Historical Aerial Photographs of Parts of Colorado, 1938-1947http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/aerialphotos/home.asp

Historical Photos of Colorado and Utah Mark L. Evans Collectionhttp://www.narrowgauge.org/ngc/html/mevans-collection/mevans-collection.html

Leadville Colorado – A Capsule History Ted Kierscey Collectionhttp://www.narrowgauge.org/ncmap/ted/dspp2_leadville.html

National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP)http://eros.usgs.gov/#/Guides/napp.

National Biological Information Infrastructure Library of Images From the Environmenthttp://life.nbii.gov/dml/home.do

National Park Service Digital Image Archiveshttp://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/imagebase.html

✓Photographs Of The American West Library of Congresshttp://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award97/codhtml/hawphome.html

Over 30,000 photographs, drawn from the holdings of the Western History and Genealogy Department at Denver Public Library

EXPLORATION: U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (Hayden Survey) Sheet number 43A. Topographic and geologic map "Showing the Crushing in of the beds at Golden City." Includes Mt. Vernon, North and South Table Mountains, Golden, Clear Creek, Van Bibber Creek, Rawlston Creek, Murphy Mine. Colorado, 1873. USGSID. Holmes, W.H. 74480030

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✔Sangres.comhttp://www.sangres.com/

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Photography and Engineering Drawings Collectionshttp://www.usbr.gov/history/photos.html

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Libraryhttp://www.fws.gov/digitalmedia

US Forest Servicehttp://www.fs.fed.us/photovideo/

USGS Aerial Photographs and Satellite Imageshttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/aerial/aerial.htmlA good explanation of the satellite images and aerial photographs.

USGS PhotoFinder http://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/EarthExplorer/?dataset_name=NAPP

The "quick and easy way to find and order Aerial Photos" from USGS.

USGS Photographic Libraryhttp://libraryphoto.cr.usgs.gov/index.html

This site is designed to provide free viewing and downloading of the entire USGS photographic collection.

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This view was taken from the summit of Mount Lincoln. Looking south from Mount Lincoln is Mount Bross, long famous for its great wealth of silver-bearing rocks. The small buildings near the summit on the left cover the Moose Mine, richest on the mountain. Its whole face has been plowed and furrowed over by the prospector. Across its face two lines can be traced, the upper, a wagon road that has been constructed from the valley below to the very summit of Mount Lincoln, via the low saddle which separates the two mountains. The lower line is the old "trail" that was traveled by hardy little "jacks," laden with supplies for the miners going up, and with sacks of ore going down. To the extreme left is a portion of South Park, and in the distance on the right the continuation of the range along its axis to the Buffalo Peaks. Park County, Colorado. 1873. USGS ID. Jackson, W.H. 1323 jwh01323

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The first issue of The Rocky Mountain News was printed on April 23, 1859. The Colorado Historical Society, the Denver Public Library, and the Norlin Library of the University of Colorado in Boulder house the most extensive newspaper collections. The Denver Public Library maintains an unpublished card index to The Rocky Mountain News with microfilm archives. Microfilm of the newspaper collection at the Colorado Historical Society is available for purchase.Donald E. Oehlerts, Guide to Colorado Newspapers, 1859-1983 may be a helpful aid in your search.Newspapers published accounts of mining activities, transfers of ownership, activities and mineral production.

There is a National Newspaper program of which Colorado is a part of with 3,400 newspaper titles cataloged and 1.7 million pages microfilmed. This is offered through First Search and may be available at your local library.

The Denver Public Library houses many early business directories and the Colorado Historical Society has the 1876 Colorado Business Directory.

Ebook and Texts Archivehttp://librarytechnology.org/libwebcats/index.pl?SID=20100409407348632&code=lwcThe Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, they provide free access to researchers, historians, scholars, and the general public.

Google Scholarhttp://scholar.google.com/

Provides a search of scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources, including theses, books, abstracts and articles.

Google Bookshttp://books.google.com/

Search and preview millions of books from libraries and publishers worldwide using Google Book Search.

Ohio Historical Society Outside Linkshttp://www.ohiohistory.org/links/

Newspapers andresource collections

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Colorado Historic Newspaper Collectionhttp://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/Default/welcome.asp?skin=Colorado&QS=Skin=Colorado&e

The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC) currently includes 147 newspapers published in Colorado from 1859 to 1923. CHNC contains over 477,000 digitized pages and is a joint endeavor of the Colorado State Library, the Colorado Historical Society, and generous donors throughout the state.

Open Libraryhttp://openlibrary.org/

Open Library has over 1 million books with full text.

NARAtions

NARAtions is a blog about public access to the records of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. http://blogs.archives.gov/online-public-access

lib-web-catshttp://librarytechnology.org/libwebcats/index.pl?SID=20100409407348632&code=lwc

(Library web sites and catalogs) is a directory of libraries worldwide.

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Pikes Peak Library Special Collectionshttp://library.ppld.org/SpecialCollections/AboutSpecialCollections.asp

The term Special Collections pertains to regional history and genealogy documents that are collected and housed in the 1905 Carnegie building adjacent to Penrose Library. Materials in Special Collections cannot be checked out.

Regional HistoryMaterials in this collection span over 115 years of regional history and document the history and development of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region within the framework of the Rocky Mountain West.

GenealogyThe genealogy collection of over 10,000 books and related materials includes resources for genealogical research for the United States and Canada.

Manuscripts and ArchivesThese collections contain papers and records of local businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals.

Pamphlets and EphemeraThese collections contain publications by local individuals, agencies, organizations, businesses and churches.

Research and Reference ServicesStaff members are trained in research and reference as well as care and management of archival manuscript materials. Staff are available to assist patrons in the identification and location of materials. Limitations of time and staff resources make it impossible to undertake actual research for individuals or organizations.

Address: 20 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Adjacent to the Penrose Library)Telephone: (719) 531-6333 ext. 2253 Hours: Monday  - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

El Paso and Old Gold mines from Roseland Hill. Cripple

Creek District. Teller County, Colorado. October 5, 1903.

USGS ID. Ransome, F.L.  21rfl00521

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Carnegie Branch Library for Local History Boulder, Coloradohttp://boulderlibrary.org/

1125 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302, (303) 441-3110

The Carnegie Branch Library for Local History archive collects and preserves our community’s memory for future generations of researchers. Written, visual and audible materials created by and about Boulder-area residents are housed in our documents room, and are available to the public and scholars for research. Collections documenting early geographic, cultural and social regions of Boulder County contain: documents, photographs, oral history interviews, microfilm, books and periodicals.

Center of Southwest Studies Fort Lewis Collegehttp://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/research.shtml

1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 970-247-7456

The Robert Delaney Southwest Research Library and its collections are open to use by any user. The books and collections are not available for check-out.

Colorado Historical Society - Stephen Hart Library closed until 2012http://www.coloradohistory.org/chs_Library/library.htm

The Society's collection of books, manuscripts, and photographs brings the rich documentary legacy of Colorado's past to researchers here at home and around the world. Their newspaper collection alone--the largest in Colorado--has been instrumental in helping genealogists find their ancestors' birth, marriage, and death records; architectural historians to identify early buildings; lawyers to prepare legal cases; and novelists to discover new story ideas.

Colorado State Publications Library https://athena.cde.state.co.us/screens/opacmenu_s1.html

PANDORA: The Library Catalog Use Pandora to locate state government documents, consumer information, statistics, etc. in print, CD ROM, video, or electronic versions.

Colorado State Publications LibraryProviding Coloradans with FREE permanent public access to state government documents.

Map and directions:The Colorado State Publications Library is located in the State Office Building at 201 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203. The closest major cross-streets are East Colfax Avenue and Sherman Street. To park, use one of the off-street metered parking spaces or one of the paid lots available nearby. When you arrive, please come in through the front doors of the building and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Our office is in Room 314.

Colorado Virtual Library (CVL)http://www.aclin.org/

CVL provides access to information resources at Colorado libraries.

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H Denver Museum of Nature and Science Bailey Library and Archives http://www.dmns.org/science/bailey-library-and-archives

The department’s collections focus on the following subjects: anthropology, geology, health science, museum studies, paleontology, space science, zoology, and the history of the Museum.

• The searchable library catalog contains records of more than 50,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and other published media. Included in the library’s online catalog are descriptions of many of the Museum’s archives and image archives collections. Many scanned images may be found at the Collaborative Digitization Program’s website and finding aids for the Museum's archives and image archives may be found in the Rocky Mountain Online Archive.

• The library, located on Level 3 in Room 301, is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (closed Sundays and holidays).

• The library will lend circulating materials to Museum members and holders of valid Colorado library cards. Interlibrary loans and a photocopier are also available.

• Archives and image archives are available to the public by appointment between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Data Access Fee: None Catalog and Index Type: paper: in-house on-line computer catalog Data Delivery

• Center Services Provided: staff research, limited number of photocopies provided free•

✓Field Records Library Central Region Library Field Records Collection USGShttp://www.cr.usgs.gov/fieldrecords/ http://library.usgs.gov/

Denver Federal CenterMS 914 Box 25046 Denver, CO 80225-0046 Contact: Field Records Library 303/236-1005

The USGS Field Records Library is an archival collection of materials generated by Survey scientists during project work. Most of the collection dates from after the establishment of the USGS in 1879, although the collection includes earlier materials from the exploration surveys of the 1870s. Materials in the collection include, but are not limited to, geologic field notes, field sketches, field maps, compilation maps, plane-table sheets, aerial photos (many with geologic annotations), analysis reports, stratigraphic logs, columns, and cross-sections, drafts of published as well as unpublished reports and maps, and project-related correspondence. The Field Records Library is open to the public and visitors are welcome. Requests can also be made by letter, telephone, or e-mail. Most materials relate to the project work done in the contiguous United States. For material relating to Alaska, contact the USGS, Mineral Resource Surveys-Alaska Section, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4667; telephone (907) 786-7007.

Prospectorhttp://prospector.coalliance.org/

A union catalog of twenty-three academic, public and special libraries in Colorado and Wyoming, including Fort Lewis College. There are over 9 million unique items with over 25 million copies in the Prospector catalog 25 libraries from Wyoming to Durango contribute holdings to Prospector. Because of the diverse make up of libraries in Prospector, 2/3 of the items are held solely by one library. It takes about 2-3 days to receive an item from Prospector once it is requested.

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Robert W. Richardson Railroad Libraryhttp://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/library

Houses thousands of rare photos, artifacts and documents that illustrate the rich history of railroads in Colorado. 17155 W 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403, 303-279-4591 or 800-365-6263

✔Rocky Mountain Online Archivehttp://rmoa.unm.edu/

The Rocky Mountain Online Archive is your source of information about archival collections in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Specialized guides, called finding aids, give detailed descriptions of primary source materials located at twenty different repositories. Search the finding aids to discover what historical materials are available for study and where those collections are located.

✓University of Colorado, Boulder Map Libraryhttp://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/index.htm

The Map Library collection consists of approximately 200,000 maps, over 500 atlases and geographic reference books, and a growing collection of digital spatial data, general and thematic maps and atlases at small and large scales, mostly from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, and related reference materials such as gazetteers. The Map Library is a full Federal Depository Library and the majority of the maps are acquired through the Federal Depository Library Program.

Benson Earth Sciences Building2200 Colorado Avenue Campus Box 184, Boulder, CO 80309-0184(303) 492-7578 Fax: (303) 735-4879 Hours: 8-10, M-Th; 8-5, F; 12-5, Sat; 12-10, SunOwns: originals; electronic copies possible in the future (pending grant funding)Access: must examine onsite Copy Purchase Prices: $ .20 per 11x17 page

Natural Arch under the Citadel Rock in the Colorado Divide, near Palmer Lake. El Paso County, Colorado 1874. ID. Jackson, W.H.  465jwh00465 USGS

Monument Park. Various studies among the fantastic monuments. El Paso County, Colorado 1874. ID. Jackson, W.H.  468jwh00468 USGS

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Find A Federal Deposit Library http://www.gpoaccess.gov/libraries.html#locate

Established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information, the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) involves the acquisition, format conversion, and distribution of depository materials to libraries throughout the United States and the coordination of Federal depository libraries.

Guide to the General Land Office Survey Plats Illinois State Libraryhttp://www.lib.niu.edu/1999/il9904232.htmlThe purpose of this guide is to list all the organizations that own these plats, whether they be originals or copies; the formats they will be found in; the respective organization's contact information, such as address, phone #, e-mail address, price of copying, etc.

Harvard Map Collectionhttp://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/maps/Virtual Collection is a search engine for images of maps and atlases.  This collection can be searched by title, author, subject or genre and every result will include a link to an on-line image.  Some complete map series are included, and they can be searched as described, or browsed using index maps.  Many of the maps have been geo referenced for use in a Geographic Information System, and links to these images and their associated GIS files can also be found through the Virtual Collection.The Harvard Map Collection holds a wide variety of electronic atlases ranging from road atlases to trip planners to historic atlases to state and country tourism guides

✓Library of Congress Map Collectionshttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.htmlThe Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress holds more than 4.5 million items, of which Map Collections represents only a small fraction, those that have been converted to digital form. The focus of Map Collections is Americana and Cartographic Treasures of the Library of Congress. These images were created from maps and atlases and, in general, are restricted to items that are not covered by copyright protection.

✓Library of Congress Online Cataloghttp://catalog.loc.gov/

Mary B. Ansari Map Library University of Nevadahttp://www.delamare.unr.edu/Maps/The Mary B. Ansari Map Library is the largest map collection in Nevada, containing more than 140,000 maps,including topographic and earth-science themes, for the United States and the world.

National Park Service Selected Bibliography and Glossaryhttp://www.nps.gov/history/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb42/mi6.htm

Examples of periodicals and journals that were in print during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that discuss events, technology, and personalities involved with mining during that era. The Glossary covers common mining terms.

Newberry Library Map & Cartography Collectionshttp://www.mapref.kunstpedia.com/

The Newberry Library provides a home to a world-class collection of books, manuscripts, and maps, and also to a growing community of readers. Our collections, spanning many centuries, feature a wide range of materials, from illuminated medieval manuscripts to rich genealogical resources, and from early printed books to the personal papers of Midwest authors.

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Trail Technical Report Archive and Image Libraryhttp://digicoll.manoa.hawaii.edu/techreports/index.php?c=1

TRAIL-Technical Report Archive and Image Library: a collaborative project to digitize, archive, and provide persistent and unrestricted access to federal technical reports issued before 1975.

University of Berkeley Earth Sciences & Map Library http://library.berkeley.edu/EART/how2find.html

Good for Bibliography.

University of Wisconsin American Geographical Society Libraryhttp://www4.uwm.edu/libraries/AGSL/cart.cfm

University of Texas Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collectionhttp://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/index.html

✓University of Virginia State Level GIS Data and Linkshttp://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/scripts/pagewriter.php?ors[]=5&title=State%20Level%20GIS%20Data%20and%20Links&intro=/www/doc/collections/gis/byGeo/describestate.html

✓USGS Central Region Library - Denver, Coloradohttp://library.usgs.gov/denlib.html#Begin

Denver Federal Center Building 20, Room C-2002, 8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time Monday through Friday

This branch of the USGS Library collection covers all earth science topics, domestic and foreign; mineralogy; petrology; geochemistry; oil, gas and coal; Bureau of Mines publications, including open files. Special collections include Geologic Division field records materials; photographs taken during field work or published in USGS publications. These special collection items are not loaned.

Western Association of Map Librarieshttp://www.waml.org/index.html

The Western Association of Map Libraries is an independent association of map librarians and other people with an interest in maps and map librarianship.

Map Librarians' Toolbox Western Association of Map Librarieshttp://www.waml.org/maptools.html

This page has been compiled to organize resources related to Map Librarianship into one resource. The Alphabetic Keyword Index is organized alphabetically by keyword and links directly to the section on that topic.

WorldCathttp://www.worldcat.org/

WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services. WorldCat libraries are dedicated to providing access to their resources on the Web, where most people start their search for information. Access at most large public and academic libraries.

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Information on a Topo Map

A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. These symbols are constantly refined to better relate to the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability of the map, or reduce production cost.

Consequently, within the same series, maps may have slightly different symbols for the same feature. Examples of symbols that have changed include built-up areas, roads, intermittent drainage, and some lettering styles. On one type of large-scale topographic map, called provisional, some symbols and lettering are hand-drawn. USGS

A topographic map identifies numerous cultural and natural ground features which can be grouped into the following categories:

•CULTURE: roads, buildings, urban development, boundaries, railways, power transmission lines;

•WATER: lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, rapids;•RELIEF: mountains, valleys, slopes, depressions;•VEGETATION: wooded and cleared areas,

vineyards and orchards;•TOPONYMY: place names, water feature names,

highway names.

Refer to the legend on the back of an NTS map for a complete listing of all features and their corresponding symbols. Information along the map borders and on the back of the map provides valuable details to help you understand and use a topographic map. For example, here you will find the map scale and scale conversion, the legend, and the year the information on the map was last updated.

Global Positioning System Overviewhttp://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/gps/gps_f.html

✓Understanding Topographic Mapshttp://imnh.isu.edu/DIGITALATLAS/geog/basics/topo.htm

✔Reading Topographic Maps http://www.map-reading.com/intro.php

Grid

A grid is a pattern of parallel lines intersecting at right angles and forming squares or rectangles; it is used to identify precise positions. To help you locate your position accurately on the surface of the earth (or map sheet), topographic maps have two kinds of referencing systems:

• Geographic: degrees, minutes and seconds (latitude/longitude)

• Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

GPS & Topographic Map

Location can be obtained very quickly with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This satellite receiving system displays a position in terms of latitude, longitude, and height, providing you with exact coordinates for map reference. (Some receivers also provide a direct conversion of position to a selected map grid such as UTM.)

✓GPS Tutorial Program Trimblehttp://www.trimble.com/gps/index.shtml

Determining Where You Are on a Map

Identify as many features around you as you can, whether cultural or natural, and locate those same features on your map. Then orient the map so that it corresponds to the ground features that you have identified. If you have a GPS position, you can use the geographic or UTM grid reference system on the map to determine where you are.

Satellite Image Maps

Satellite image maps are multicolor or black-and-white photograph-like maps made from data collected by Earth resources satellites. They are a diverse group of experimental maps printed in a variety of scales and sizes, ranging from 1:24,000 for Point Loma, California, to 1:7,500,000 for the conterminous 48 States.

Topographic MapUSGS Topographic Mapshttp://topomaps.usgs.gov/

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Hachure Reliefrelief representation

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An older way of representing relief on maps is hachures.Hachures show the orientation of a slope. The lines thickness and density provide a picture of how steep a slope is. They were often shown in black, brown or grey, and can show specific terrain shapes.

They are drawn in the direction of the steepest slope. The steeper the slope the shorter and closer the strokes are. A gentler slope is represented by thinner, longer and farther apart strokes. Features like the top of a hill are usually left blank. They will be arranged in rows perpendicular to their direction.

Contour LinesContours are imaginary lines that join points of equal elevation on the surface of the land above or below a reference surface such as mean sea level. Contours make it possible to measure the height of land features, the depth of an ocean or the steepness of a slope. When the contour lines are close together they represent a steep slope. When they are spread out the terrain will be flatter. They are usually printed in brown in two thicknesses.The map legend will indicate the contour interval—the distance in feet (meters, etc.) between each contour line. There will be heavier contour lines every 4th or 5th contour line that are labeled with the height above sea level.

Contour Characteristics✦Depressions - are indicated by circular contour

with lines radiating to the center.✦Flat Hilltop-widely spaced contours at the top of

a hill. ✦Gentle slopes - contours are less closely spaced.✦Hill-concentric circles of contour lines. ✦Pointed Hilltop-close together contours at the

top of a hill .

How are Land Forms Represented on Flat Maps?http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0307/es0307page01.cfm

A great interactive site which shows you not only how the topography would be drawn but also a representative model.

Contour Lines and Topographic Features USGS

✦Overhanging Cliff-crossing or touching contours indicate overhanging cliff.

✦Ridges - contours form a V-shape pointing down the hill.

✦Steep slopes ,wall, or cliff- contours are closely spaced.

✦Summits - contours forming circles. ✦Uniform Slope-evenly spaced contours.✦Valleys - contours form a V-shape pointing up

the hill - these V's are always an indication of a drainage path which could also be a stream or river.

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Interpreting the colored lines, areas, and other symbols is the first step in using topographic maps. Features are shown as points, lines, or areas, depending on their size and extent. For example, individual houses may be shown as small black squares. For larger buildings, the actual shapes are mapped. In densely built-up areas, most individual buildings are omitted and an area tint is shown. On some maps, post offices, churches, city halls, and other landmark buildings are shown within the tinted area.

The first features usually noticed on a topographic map are the area features, such as vegetation (green), water (blue), and densely built-up areas (gray or red).

Many features are shown by lines that may be straight, curved, solid, dashed, dotted, or in any combination. The colors of the lines usually indicate similar classes of information: topographic contours (brown); lakes, streams, irrigation ditches, and other hydrographic features (blue); land grids and important roads (red); and other roads and trails, railroads, boundaries, and other cultural features (black). At one time, purple was used as a revision color to show all feature changes. Currently, purple is not used in our revision program, but purple features are still present on many existing maps.

Various point symbols are used to depict features such as buildings, campgrounds, springs, water tanks, mines, survey control points, and wells. Names of places and features are shown in a color corresponding to the type of feature. Many features are identified by labels, such as "Substation" or "Golf Course."

Topographic contours are shown in brown by lines of different widths. Each contour is a line of equal elevation; therefore, contours never cross. They show the general shape of the terrain. To help the user determine elevations, index contours are wider. Elevation values are printed in several places along these lines. The narrower intermediate and supplementary contours found between the index contours help to show more details of the land surface shape. Contours that are very close together represent steep slopes. Widely spaced contours or an absence of contours means that the ground slope is relatively level. The elevation difference between adjacent contour lines, called the contour interval, is selected to best show the general shape of the terrain. A map of a relatively flat area may have a contour interval of 10 feet or less. Maps in mountainous areas may have contour intervals of 100 feet or more. The contour interval is printed in the margin of each U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map. Bathymetric contours are shown in blue or black, depending

on their location. They show the shape and slope of the ocean bottom surface. The bathymetric contour interval may vary on each map and is explained in the map margin.

(Robert Wellman Campbell, ed. 1999. "Help: Map legends." Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change. U.S. Geological Survey. http://earthshots.usgs.gov. This article was first released 14 February 1999, and last revised 14 February 1999.)

Geological MapsGeologic maps use a combination of lines, symbols, and colors to show the composition and structure of earth materials and their distribution across and beneath the Earth's surface. They generally show bedrock formations like granite or limestone, surficial units such as sediment deposited by glaciers or rivers, and structures like folds and faults. Geologic maps can be used to identify geologic hazards, locate natural resources, and facilitate land-use planning.

Geologic Quadrangle MapsThe Geologic Quadrangle (GQ) Series has more than 1,700 multicolor maps that show the bedrock, surficial, or engineering geology of selected 7.5- or 15-minute quadrangles in the United States. The series, begun in 1949, is a continuation of the earlier Folios of the Geologic Atlas of the United States (1894 to 1945).

Miscellaneous Field Studies Series MapsThe Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) Series contains more than 2,200 mostly black-and-white maps that cover nearly all aspects of USGS investigations and research. The series, begun in 1950, had been known earlier as the Mineral Investigations Field Studies Series. Pre-1971 maps show geology in relation to specific mining or mineral-deposit studies; later maps are on various subjects such as bedrock and surficial geology, offshore geology, mineral resource assessments, geophysical and geochemical surveys, and environmental studies.

Shaded Relief MapsThe USGS publishes shaded-relief editions of certain topographic maps to accentuate physiographic features of special interest and for some State, Antarctic, and national park maps. These maps use shaded relief, as well as contour lines, to represent the shape of the terrain.

The pictorial effect of such maps is emphasized by relief shading--a halftone overprint that simulates the appearance of sunlight and shadows on the terrain and creates the illusion of three-dimensional topography. USGS

Reading Topographic MapsUSGS http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/faq.html

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In addition to color, each geologic unit is assigned a set of letters to symbolize it on the map. Usually the symbol is the combination of an initial capital letter followed by one or more small letters. The capital letter represents the age of the geologic unit. Geologists have divided the history of the Earth into Epochs, mostly based on the fossils found in rocks. The most common division of time used in letter symbols on geologic maps is the Period. Rocks of the four most recent Periods are found in the San Francisco Bay, so most letter symbols begin with a capital letter representing one of the four Periods: J (Jurassic - 195 to 141 million years ago), K (Cretaceous - 141 to 65 million years ago), T (Tertiary - 65 to 2 million years ago), or Q (Quaternary - 2 million years ago until today).

Occasionally the age of a rock unit will span more than one period, if the period of many years required to create a body of rock happens to fall on both sides of a time boundary. In that case both capital letters are used. For example, QT would indicate that the rock unit began to form in Tertiary time and was completed in Quaternary time. The few geologic units formed an unknown amount of time ago have letter symbols with no capital letters.

The small letters indicate either the name of the unit, if it has one, or the type of rock, if the unit has no name.

Lines on the mapContact Lines The place where two different geologic units are found next to each other is called a contact, and that is represented by different kinds of lines on the geologic map. The two main types of contacts shown on most geologic maps are depositional contacts and faults.

All geologic units are formed over, under, or beside other geologic units. For example, lava from a volcano flows over the landscape, and when the lava hardens into rock, the place where the lava-rock rests on the rocks underneath is a depositional contact. Where the original depositional contact between geologic units is preserved, it is shown on the geologic map as a thin line.

Faults However, in geologically active areas like the San Francisco Bay area, geologic units tend to be broken up and moved along faults (it is fault movements that cause earthquakes)!. When different geologic units have been moved next to one another after they were formed, the contact is a fault contact, which is shown on the map by a thick line. Faults can cut through a single geologic unit. These faults are shown with the same thick line on the map, but have the same geologic unit on both sides.

Remember, just because the map shows a fault doesn’t mean that fault is still active and is likely to cause an earthquake. Rocks can preserve records of faults that have been inactive for many millions of years. Knowing where the faults are is the first step toward finding the ones that can move. Special geologic maps of the faults known to be still moving are constantly being upgraded at the United States Geological Survey, as well as by State geological surveys and university researchers.

Other LinesFolds Another kind of line shown on most geologic maps is a fold axis. In addition to being moved by faults, geologic units can also be bent and warped by the same forces into rounded wavelike shapes called folds. A line that follows the crest or trough of the fold is called the fold axis. This is marked on a geologic map with a line a little thicker than a depositional contact, but thinner than a fault.

Solid, dashed, or dotted lines All thicknesses of lines are also modified by being solid, dashed, or dotted. Often contacts are obscured by soil, vegetation, or human construction. Those places where the line is precisely located it is shown as solid, but where it is uncertain it is dashed. The shorter the dash, the more uncertain the location. A dotted line is the most uncertain of all, because it is covered by a geologic unit, so no amount of searching at the surface could ever locate it. The lines on the map may also be modified by other symbols on the line (triangles, small tic marks, arrows, and more) which give more information about the line. For example, faults with triangles on them show that the side with the triangles has been thrust up and over the side without the triangles (that kind of fault is called a reverse fault or a thrust fault). All the different

Map Legendsletter symbols and lines

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Bench Marks

Bench marks indicate places where the elevation has actually been surveyed.  These locations are indicated on the map by a triangle if a marker has been placed in the ground, or an "x" if no marker was left behind.  Near either symbol are the letters "BM" and a number which represents the elevation of that particular location.  Bench marks are shown in black on topographic maps.

The value of topographic maps for practical purposes was greatly increased by the placement of permanent bench

marks showing the exact location and elevation of fixed points.

Boundaries

Even though these are not physical features you can see on the ground, boundaries are shown on topographic maps by black or red lines. Boundaries are usually represented by broken lines (combinations of dots and dashes of different sizes).  Different patterns are used for different types of boundaries (i.e., state, county, city, etc). 

Symbols for Historic Topographic Mapshttp://www.novacell.com/topographicmapsymbols.php

Presented on this page is a collection of symbols used on USGS Topographic Maps printed from the late 1890s (aka old topo maps or superseded topo maps). The styles of the symbols have changed dramatically since this time, and the beginning of their history is illustrated here. We refer to sheets in this style as Generation One or First Generation topographic sheets. These sheets were printed in black, brown, and blue inks and used lines to fill areas such as rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

In the early 1910s, sheets began to appear overprinted with green inks depicting vegetative cover. The timber symbol used a screen of ink to represent the area, while brush is hatched. At least some of these sheets were printed with and without the green inks.

In the early 1920s, sheets began to appear overprinted with red inks depicting simple road classification. Marginal notations, also in red, were added to show distance and direction along a road to the next town or city.

What is a Geologic Map?

Geologic maps are not like other maps. Geologic maps, like all maps, are designed to show where things are. A geologic map shows the distribution of geologic features, including different kinds of rocks and faults. A geologic map is usually printed on top of a regular map (called a base map) to help you locate

yourself on the map. The base map is printed with light colors, so it doesn’t interfere with seeing the geologic features on the map. The geology is represented by colors, lines, and special symbols unique to geologic maps. Understanding these features will allow you to understand much of the geology shown in almost any standard geologic map.

Bench Marks

Mines and Quarries

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La Plata folio 60 CO 1899

La Plata folio 60 CO 1899 Geological

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All geologic maps come with a table called a map key. In the map key, all the colors and symbols are shown and explained. The map key usually starts with a list showing the color and letter symbol of every geologic unit, starting with the youngest or most recently formed units (in the example map those are the man-made deposits), along with the name of the unit (if it has one) and a short description of the kinds of rocks in that unit and their age (in the key, the age is described by Epochs, subdivisions of the Periods shown in the letter symbol). After the list

of geologic units, all the different types of lines on the map are explained, and then all the different strike and dip symbols. The map key will also include explanations of any other kinds of geologic symbols used on a map (locations where fossils were found, locations of deposits of precious metals, location of faults known to be active, and any other geologic feature that might be important in the area shown by the geologic map). Because the geology in every area is different, the map key is vital to understanding the geologic map.

Map Key USGS

Quray Needle Mountains 1905

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Map symbols used in the United States are often used for different things in other countries. The symbol for a secondary highway on a USGS Topographic map is equivalent to a railroad in Switzerland. Make sure to read the legend and you'll understand the symbols. In essence it is a dictionary.

By using symbols, lines and colors, topographic maps illustrate both natural and human-made features. In order to read a map, it is important to understand what these symbols, lines and colors represent.

A topographic map shows more than contours. The map includes symbols that represent such features as streets, buildings, streams, and vegetation. These symbols are constantly refined to better relate to the features they represent, improve the appearance or readability of the map, or reduce production cost.

Consequently, within the same series, maps may have slightly different symbols for the same feature. Examples of symbols that have changed include built-up areas, roads, intermittent drainage, and some lettering styles. On one type of large-scale topographic map, called provisional, some symbols and lettering are hand-drawn. USGS

USGS Mineral Map Symbols and Legendhttp://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/maps/mapkey.html

Symbols and Patterns for NPS Mapshttp://www.nps.gov/hfc/carto/map-symbols.htm#

Ordnance Survey Glossaryhttp://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/aboutus/reports/misc/glossary.html

FGDC Digital Cartographic Standard forGeologic Map Symbolization

http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/fgdc_gds/geolsymstd/download.php

PDF documents which show an extensive list of Geologic map symbols, colors, and patterns

Old Map Symbols UKhttp://www.old-maps.co.uk/HTMLPAGES/legend.htm.

USGS Topographic Map Symbolshttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/

DateThe date on a map relates to when it was published and not the date the survey was made. If a number of maps make-up a map the date corresponds to the earliest map that is shown.

Boundaries were occasionally altered after field revision but before publication on 1:10 560 maps prepared between circa 1896 and 1913.

Before 1866, railways were sometimes added without acknowledgement to published 1:10 560 sheets.

Color• Black - man-made features such as roads,

buildings, etc.• Blue - water, lakes, rivers, streams, etc.• Brown - contour lines• Green - areas with substantial vegetation

(could be forest, scrub, etc.)• White - areas with little or no vegetation;

white is also used to depict permanent snowfields and glaciers

• Red - major highways; boundaries of public land areas

• Purple - features added to the map since the original survey. These features are based on aerial photographs but have not been checked on land.

CountiesOver the years, several county boundaries have changed. Indeed, new counties have also been created and some old counties ceased to exist. In any searches you perform based on place name, modern day address or co-ordinate you need to be aware of the county that the area was in at the time the mapping was created.

When the mapping was created, each county was surveyed with a slight overlap into the next county. If you perform a search on a place which appears close to a county boundary, it may be covered by mapping from more than one county. This is why your search results page may present the same place in two or more counties on the map represents 50 000 equivalent units of measure on the ground. Medium-scale maps (e.g. 1/50 000) cover smaller areas in greater detail, whereas smaller-scale maps (e.g. 1/250 000) cover large areas in less detail.

Map Legendssymbols, date, color, counties, USGS

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Latitude and Longitudeedges of map

Latitude and longitude lines are indicated with fine black tick marks along the edges of the map. Topographic maps do not show the latitude/longitude lines – just the tick marks. • The numbers next to the tick marks indicate

degrees (°), minutes (') and seconds ("). • On 1:24,000 scale maps, latitude and longitude

tick marks are indicated every 2.5 minutes. • Longitude tick marks are on the top and bottom

edges of the map and latitude tick marks are on the right and left edges. Note that the degrees may be left off (as an abbreviation) and you may only see the minute and/or second designations.

• Reference coordinates for latitude and longitude (degrees, minutes, and seconds) are black and located on the four corners of the map.

• The intersection of latitude and longitude lines are noted by cross-marks (+).

• When reading latitude/longitude, pay close attention to the units (degrees, minutes, seconds) because it is easy to misread them.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) (edges of map)

Prior to 1978, USGS topographic maps used blue tick marks along the edge of the map to illustrate where the UTM grid lines were located. Since 1978, USGS topographic maps actually show UTM grid lines (black) on the map and the coordinate values are in the margin. On USGS topographic maps, 7.5 quadrangle, the UTM grid lines are marked at 1,000 meter increments • Abbreviated easting values, for example 336,

are located on the top and bottom edges of the map.

• Abbreviated northing values, for example 4164, are located on the right and left edges of the map.

• Reference coordinates for UTM are located near the southeast and northwest corners of the map.

• Notice that the large bold numbers increase as you go north and east.

North Arrow, Declination, and Map Production Information (bottom left corner of map) It is common practice for maps to be oriented with true north at the top. Most USGS maps have a symbol of arrows pointing to the geographic North Pole (shown by a star), magnetic north (MN) and grid north (GN). Grid north shows the difference between geographic north (latitude/longitude) and the UTM grid.

If the declination is not indicated on the arrow diagram, it can be found in the “Map Production Information” which is in the lower left corner of the map. The map production information section provides additional information on how and when the map was created. Sometimes the magnetic declination is printed here.

Historic Values of Compass Declinationhttp://www.directlinesoftware.com/decl.htm

Latitude and Longitudeutm, north arrow, declination

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Latitude and Longitude

COMMON MAPPING SCALES USGSThe larger the scale, the smaller the area that is

covered, usually in greater detail.

Surveying Units and Termshttp://www.directlinesoftware.com/survey.htm

List of units of measure, surveying terms, surveyor’s slang and abbreviations, water descriptions, and trees. This is about as extensive as it gets.

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Today’s commonly used 1:24,000 map scale was only produced after 1940, so for earlier maps, you will have to adjust for scale. However, the symbols on these maps are fairly consistent, allowing for easy comparison of how communities and rural areas changed.

Scale refers to the relationship between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground. At a scale of 1/50,000 for example, one unit of measure on the map represents 50,000 equivalent units of measure on the ground. Medium-scale maps (e.g. 1/50,000) cover smaller areas in greater detail, whereas smaller-scale maps (e.g. 1/250,000) cover large areas in less detail.

The proportion chosen for a particular map is its scale. Selecting the appropriate scale depends on the size of the sheet of paper and the accurate placement of features. Ground area, rivers, lakes, roads, distances between features, and so on must be shown proportionately smaller than they really are.

Large Is Small

Simply defined, scale is the relationship between distance on the map and distance on the ground. A map scale usually is given as a fraction or a ratio—1/10,000 or 1:10,000.

These "representative fraction" scales mean that 1 unit of measurement on the map—1 inch or 1 centimeter—represents 10,000 of the same units on the ground. If the scale were 1:63,360, for instance, then 1 inch on the map would represent 63,360 inches, or 1 mile, on the ground (63,360 inches divided by 12 inches equals 5,280 feet, or 1 mile). The first number (map distance) is always 1. The second number (ground distance) is different for each scale; the larger the second number is, the smaller the scale of the map. "The larger the number, the smaller the scale" sounds confusing, but it is easy to understand. A map of an area 100 miles long by 100 miles wide drawn at a scale of 1:63,360 would be more than 8 feet square. To make the map a more convenient size, either the scale used or the area covered must be reduced.

If the scale is reduced to 1:316,800, then 1 inch on the map represents 5 miles on the ground, and an area 100 miles square can be mapped on a sheet less than 2 feet square (100 miles at 5 miles to the inch equals 20 inches, or 1.66 feet). On the other hand, if the original 1:63,360 scale is used but

the mapped area is reduced to 20 miles square, the resulting map will also be less than 2 feet square.

Such maps would be easier to handle. But would they be more useful? In the small-scale map (1:316,800), there is less room; therefore, everything must be drawn smaller, and some small streams, roads, and landmarks must be left out altogether. On the other hand, the larger scale map (1:63,360) permits more detail but covers much less ground.

Many areas have been mapped at different scales. The most important consideration in choosing a map is its intended use. A town engineer, for instance, may need a very detailed map to locate precise sewers, power and water lines, and streets. A commonly used scale for this purpose is 1:600 (1 inch on the map represents 50 feet on the ground). This scale is so large that many features—such as buildings, roads, and railroad tracks—can be drawn to scale instead of being represented by symbols.

U.S. Geological Survey Scales

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publishes maps at various scales. The scale used for most U.S. topographic mapping is 1:24,000. USGS maps at this scale cover an area measuring 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude and are commonly called 7.5-minute quadrangle maps. Map coverage for most of the United States has been completed at this scale, except for Puerto Rico, which is mapped at 1:20,000 and 1:30,000, and for a few States that have been mapped at 1:25,000. Most of Alaska has been mapped at 1:63,360, with some populated areas also mapped at 1:24,000 and 1:25,000.

Maps at 1:24,000 scale are fairly large and provide detailed information about the features of an area, including the locations of important buildings and most campgrounds, ski lifts, and water mills. Footbridges, drawbridges, fence lines, and private roads are also shown at this scale. Usually these features are omitted from maps in the 1:50,000-to 1:100,000-scale range; these maps cover more area while retaining a reasonable level of detail. Maps at these scales are most often produced using the 30-by 60-minute quadrangle formats.

Small-scale maps (1:250,000 and smaller) show large areas on single map sheets, but details are limited to major features, such as boundaries, parks, airports, major roads, railroads, and streams. USGS

SCALEUSGS Map Scales http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs01502.html

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✓BLM Land Glossaryhttp://www.glorecords.blm.gov/Visitors/Glossary.asp

This will give you a detailed explanation of the terms you might run across when you are searching records.

BLM Glossaries of Surveying and Mapping Termshttp://www.blm.gov/cadastral/Glossary/glossary.htm#

Dating Rand and Gousha Mapshttp://www.roadmaps.org/date.htm

In cases when the year of publication was not shown on the cover or in the legend, map companies put date codes at the bottom of the main map. Rand McNally first used date codes in 1919, and Gousha started in 1927.

DICTIONARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, CARTOGRAPHY, AND REMOTE SENSINGhttp://www.lib.berkeley.edu/EART/abbrev.html

This dictionary decodes abbreviations and acronyms found in various publications including maps and websites. These abbreviations or acronyms, therefore, are not necessarily authoritative or standardized in format or content.

GIS Dictionaryhttp://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/agidict/welcome.html

✓GIS Dictionary ESRI Support Center http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgebase.gisDictionary.gateway

GIS Interpretations Metadata Primer for Map Librarianshttp://www.stonybrook.edu/libmap/metadata.htm

The classic definition of metadata is "data about data."

✓GPS Resource Libraryhttp://www.gpsy.com/gpsinfo/

This is a page of links containing information about the Global Positioning System (GPS) and handheld GPS units

Historic Values of Compass Declinationhttp://www.directlinesoftware.com/decl.htm

Interpreting Rand McNally Map Codeshttp://www.roadmaps.org/date-rm.htm

✓Introduction To Topographic Maps Geospatial Training and Analysis Cooperativehttp://geology.isu.edu/geostac/Field_Exercise/topomaps/index.htm

MAP-LIST HELP: Using and Interpreting USGS Online Map Listshttp://egsc.usgs.gov/maplists/howtoselectmaps.html

Slaymakerʼs Links to Topographic mapshttp://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/slaymaker/Archives/Geol10L/topomap.htm

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Slaymakerʼs Links To Examples of Landforms Depicted on Topographic Mapswww.csus.edu/indiv/s/slaymaker/Archives/Geol10L/landforms.htm

✔Surveying Units and Termshttp://www.directlinesoftware.com/survey.htm

List of units of measure, surveying terms, surveyors' slang and abbreviations, water descriptions, and trees. This is about as extensive as it gets.

✔Topographic Symbols A Guide To Camping & Wilderness Survival Wilderness Manualshttp://www.wildernessmanuals.com/manual_5/index.html

Great hands on information on reading and interpreting maps and their symbols.

USGS Downloading and Formatting Earth Imageshttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/terraserver.html

✓USGS Downloading and Formatting Earth Images (Landsat satellite images) from NASA for GIS Usehttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/nasa_zulu.html

This is a tutorial that will aid you in downloading Landsat satellite images into a GIS

USGS Education Map Cataloghttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/mapcatalog/

USGS GIS in Educationhttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/giseduc.htmlEducation and Communications Program is to educate data users in the use and application of USGS products and services.

USGS GIS Guidelineshttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/gisguidelines.htmlGuidelines for using spatial data within geographic information systems (GIS) software, with emphasis on ArcView and ArcGIS software from ESRI.

USGS Help With The National Map Viewerhttp://nationalmap.gov/nmjump.html

USGS National Map Accuracy Standardshttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/nmpstds/nmas.html

✓USGS Teaching with Topographic Mapshttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/topoteach.html

USGS Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Featureshttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/outreach/featureindex.html Use this index to select the names and locations of topographic maps that illustrate the particular physical feature of interest, such as those resulting from glaciation, karst, tectonics, or volcanism.

USGS TYPES OF MAPS AVAILABLEhttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/usgsmaps/usgsmaps.html#Shaded-relief%20maps

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Here are just a few resources. You can search books.google.com/ books for numerous titles.

Carrington, David K., and Stephenson, Richard W. Map Collections in the United States and Canada: A Directory. Special Libraries Association, 1985.

Clausen, M., and Friis, H.R. Descriptive Catalog of Maps Published by Congress, 1817-1843. University of California, 1941.

Cobb, David. Guide to U.S. Map Resources

Finch, James Kip. Topographic Maps and Sketch Mapping. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., London: Chapman & Hall, Limited, 1920.

Francaviglia, Richard V. Reading the Landscape of Americaʼs Historic Mining Districts. Iowa City, University of Iowa Press, 1991.

Harvey, P.DA. The History of Topographical Maps, Symbols, Pictures and Surveys. London: Thames and Hudson, 1980.

Karlow Jr., W. Checklist of Printed Maps of the Middle West to 1900, 1981.

Kelsey, Laura E..List of Cartographic Records of the General Land Office. United States National Archives and Records Service, 1964.

Kohl, J.G. A Descriptive Catalogue of those Maps, Charts and Surveys Relating to America. Washington, Henry Polkinhorn, Printer, 1857.

McIntosh, Gregory. A Directory of Publishers & Distributors of Antique Map, Atlas & Globe Facsimiles & Reproductions.

Moffat, Riley Moore. Maps Index to Topographic Quadrangles of the United States, 1882-1940. Western Association of Map Libraries, 1985.

Markham, R. P. National Lands Index: An Index to Nationally Designated Lands on National Topographic Maps. Greeley University of Northern Colorado Press, 1980.

Phillips, P. Lee. List of Maps of American in the Library of Congress. New York, Burt Franklin, 1901.

Ristow, Walter William. American Maps and Mapmakers, University of California, Wayne State University Press,1985.

Schmeckebiew, Lawrence H. Catalogue and Index of the Hayden, King, Powell, and Wheeler Surveys. Washington, Gov. Printing Office,1904.

Stark ,Peter. A Cartobibliography of Separately Published U.S. Geological Survey Special Maps and River Surveys. Western Association of Map Libraries, 1994.

The Index to Maps in Books and Periodicals. American geographical Society of New York Map Department 1968,1974,1978.

Thiry, Christopher. Guide to U.S. Map Resources. MAGERT of the American Library Assoc. Chicago,2005.

The Online Books Pagehttp://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/

The Online Books Page is a website that facilitates access to books that are freely readable over the Internet.

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BLM LR2000 Land & Mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 Systemhttp://www.blm.gov/lr2000/

The Bureau of Land Management's Legacy Rehost System (LR2000) provides a searchable database for public reports on BLM land and mineral use authorizations, conveyances, mining claims, withdrawals and classifications. This website enables users to access the same information over the Internet as in the BLM State Office Information Access Centers.

Case Recordation (CR) contains information on leases, permits, contracts, grants, agreements, mineral patents, etc., issued by the BLM on federal actions affecting public lands of the United States. Authorizations are issued for the following activities: oil and gas, geothermal, oil shale, coal and other minerals, sand, gravel, rights-of-ways (communication sites, power facilities, roads, railroads, telephone lines, pipelines, wind power, solar power, and more), land exchanges and acquisitions, land use withdrawals, mineral patents, land classifications, land claims, land sales, land grants, etc. Information on the use authorization includes customer data, location, date of issuance, the actions that have taken place, and other applicable information.Legal Land Description (LLD) contains cadastral survey data including meridian, township, range, section, survey type (aliquot part, lots, homestead surveys, mineral surveys, tracts, parcels, etc.), acreage, and geopolitical information including the geographic state, county, field office, and surface management agency (BLM, Forest Service, etc.). The surface management agency in LLD is coded as BLM, even when the land is privately owned, unless the land is located within a National Park, National Forest, etc.Mining Claim Recordation (MC) contains information on unpatented mining claims located on federal lands including claimant name, approximate location, and other applicable information. Mineral patents are not contained in Mining Claim Recordation.Status (ST) contains information on title transfer documents, such as land patents, land grants, and warranty deeds, to and from the United States Government. Status also contains land withdrawal and classification information which is used to determine surface and subsurface segregation's on a parcel of land.

When you search a report you will find definitions or numbers which are a code for a particular item. You need to print out the code reports to have when you are doing your research. There are more codes than what I have listed. The listed codes are for mining.

Codes for all reportshttp://www.blm.gov/lr2000/c_g.htmAll the reports require you to select a code rather than the name (no names are displayed in the reports) as your selection criteria. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find additional Mining Guides, which will come up as {DF’s.

Mining Claims Action Codeshttp://www.blm.gov/lr2000/codes/CodeMCaction.htm

Mining Claim Case Type Codeshttp://www.blm.gov/lr2000/codes/CodeMCcasetypes.htm

Mining Claim Disposition Codeshttp://www.blm.gov/lr2000/codes/CodeMCcasedisp.htm

BLM Forms Pagehttp://www.blm.gov/blmforms/

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Alice Mine and Mill, Alice, looking southwest, Central City Quadrangle. Gilpin County, Colorado. 1911. USGS ID. Bastin, E.S. 217 bes00217

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BLM LR2000 Land & Mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 System HELPFUL HINTS & TRICKS LR2000 uses pop-ups. You must allow pop-ups from this site (www.blm.gov), temporarily allow pop-ups, or disable your pop-up blocker. Use Internet Explorer, not Netscape. Selection Criteria Select all the optional criteria you might need. You won’t have to start all over if you forget to pick one. When you ‘Set’ your criteria, you don’t have to ‘Close’ each option. Just click ‘Set’ on the next selection you want and it will automatically close the one before. All entry is done with upper case alphabetic characters. Verify the ‘Operator’ is what you want (e.g., Equal, Begins With, Between, etc.). ‘Begins With’ works well with customer names, especially if you don’t know how it is exactly entered. For Case type - Select “Begins With” from the scroll bar. In the “Enter Case type Code” field type in one of the following codes. For this example, use 31 for O&G leases and agreements. Other case groups are: 28 – Rights-of-Way (communication, roads, etc) 29 – Use Leases and Permits – non-mineral (airports, storage, etc) 31 – Oil and Gas Leases and Agreements 32 – Geothermal Leases and Agreements 34 – Coal leases and Agreements 35 – Other solid mineral leases (phosphate, sulfur, potassium, gilsonite) 36 – Mineral Material (sand & gravel, community pits) 38 – Mining Claims Enter dates as MM/DD/YYYY (2 digits for month, 2 digits for day, 4 digits for year). Selecting the operator ‘Between’ 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2000 will select all dates between and including the beginning and ending date (e.g., all dates for year 2000). To highlight more than one selection on pick list: hold down the Ctrl key while you click on selections to highlight multiple noncontiguous selections; to highlight a continuous range, click the first selection then hold down the Shift key and click the last selection you want. To type in multiple selections, separate each entry with a comma. Use the green check mark to enter. To enter multiple lines of similar information (e.g., multiple sections for the same township and range): o Type the first entry and click green check mark. o Now double-click on that line you just entered in the value box to copy it back into the Edit field. o Next, click on the blank row (the first line) in the value box to remove the highlight from the original line of data (or else it will overwrite that entry). o Change the entry as needed (e.g., section number) in the Edit field and click the green check mark again. Now both entries are in the value box. o Repeat as often as necessary until all the desired lines of data are in the box. o Click ‘Select All’ to highlight all the entries before you run the report. (This method can be used whenever multiple lines of data are added with minor changes from line to line.) Reports The report will appear in a new window. To view the next page of the report, click the down arrow from the menu bar (click up arrow to go back one page). Shift click down arrow will go to last page, shift click up arrow will go to first page. To easily view your report, select ‘Export to PDF’ icon. Then you can scroll through your report and print it(click the printer icon to print.) You can save the report in PDF format and then email it as an attachment (e.g., to your client). If there is more than one report format available (i.e., different outputs or sort orders), you may select a different format from the pull down menu, then click ‘GO.' If the banner page appears (which shows what you selected), you need to select the report from the pull down menu and click ‘GO.’

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BLM LR2000 Land & Mineral Legacy Rehost 2000 System Helpful Hints and Tricks If you get a blank report, select the banner page (and click ‘GO’) to verify it states ‘Total Rows Returned = 0’ (or blank). Either no data exists, or there’s a problem with your selection criteria (you should always verify it again). If unsuccessful, try widening your criteria (e.g., if you selected a section, change it to the township; if you selected only Authorized, change it to all Case Dispositions). If you want to document the criteria you selected for the report (e.g., Geographic Report for a particular area), print the Banner Page for future reference. This will also help when you want to run the report again. If a report is taking a long time and you want to cancel it, hold down both the Alt key and End key at the same time for up to two minutes. When you are done with the report, close the PDF window and close the window with the original report format before you run another report (or else you will have multiple windows open). To run the same report again with different criteria, just change the limits on the criteria (click the ‘Set’ and enter your new selection) and run the report again. If you need different items in your criteria, click on ‘Return to Criteria Selection’ to select them. Follow the steps required to run the report. To run a different report, click on ‘Return to Report Menu.’ Select the desired report from the Report Menu. Then follow the steps required to run the report. Advanced Topics You can export the report to Excel spreadsheet format. Then you can copy information you need and incorporate into your documents. If you generate a report that has a list of Serial Numbers (e.g., CR Case Information Report) and you don’t want to retype all the serial numbers to generate Serial Register Pages:

o Export the list of Serial Numbers to Excel (click the ‘Export to XLS’ button), o Copy the column with the serial numbers o Paste it into an ASCII text file (e.g., plain text in Word), and save it o Return to Report Menu o Select CR Pub Serial Register Page o Select ‘Serial Number(s) from File’ option o Click ‘Select Criteria’ o Click ‘Browse’ o Navigate to your file and select it click ‘Run Report,' click ‘OK

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http://www.geocommunicator.gov/GeoComm/index.shtm

Want to view, search, and access your land and mineral records using an Interactive map viewer?NILS GeoCommunicator interactive map viewer allows you to search and display most of the land and mineral, status, and mining claims records along with a variety of reference maps including surface management agency boundaries, T/R/Sec/Aliquot, rivers, roads, topo maps, and imagery.

You can link from GeoCommunicator directly to LR2000 to get a serial register page or a township geographic report. GeoCommunicator is meant to compliment LR2000 with mapping capabilities not replace it. LR2000 is the definitive source for the records. There have been reports that the GEOCommunicator may not give as accurate information as the LR2000 when you are searching for private land and claims. Using both could help you avoid some serious conflicts!

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for recording mining claims on federal lands. GeoCommunicator contains information on some of the unpatented active and closed mining claims located on federal lands including claimant name, approximate location, and other applicable information from the National Integrated Land System (NILS). Data from Legacy Rehost 2000 (LR2000) Mining Claim Record System (www.blm.gov/lr2000) is processed in NILS where the geometry for the claim is automatically created and stored in the NILS geodatabase. Mining claims are recorded and mapped 'nominally' to the nearest quarter section. The claim is located 'somewhere' in the quarter. The exact location is not mapped or recorded in the BLM's automated systems. To see the actual location map visit the public room where the case file of the mining claim is recorded. Most of the mining claims from LR2000 are in GeoCommunicator, but not all. Please read the data disclaimer.LR2000-Mining Claim Recordation System is a text-based case recordation system for recording information on unpatented mining claims in the U.S. excluding Alaska. Mineral Patent information is maintain with the Case Recordation and the Status System in LR2000 and this data is display in GeoCommunicator under the CASES folder. Additional information about patented mining claims or any other federal land patents issued prior to 1982 may also be found on the Federal Land Records Patent Site or LR2000.

Mining Claim Density for active claims is being displayed at three levels: Township, Section, and Quarter-section. If we don't have the land descriptions at the section or quarter section level than the density for that level can't be displayed. The density is based on data directly from the LR2000 system. Therefore if a mining claim can't be displayed in GeoCommunicator it still will be counted in the density numbers. The density is a good representation of the where mining claims are located. The label will indicate the number of claims in the density area. Remember that a mining claim can occur in more than one quarter, so a claim can be counted more than once. For example, if a claim is located in 2 quarters it will be counted in both quarters, but it will be counted only once at the section and township level.

From GeoCommunicator, you can run a township geographic report that will allow you to get a report of all the mining claims in the township. You can compare this to the display in GeoCommunicator to determine if there are valid claims in the area.

Information on Alaska records are not available from this site. For more information, go to the Alaska State Office website. The original documents including patents (some are available at the Federal Land Patent Records website), deeds, leases, public land orders, and case files are not available over this website but can be viewed in the BLM Information Access Centers.

The Federal Land Patent Records Website provides access to Federal land conveyance records for the Public Land States. They also provide image access to more than two million Federal land title records for Eastern Public Land States, issued between 1820 and 1908. Images of Serial patents (land titles issued between 1908 and the mid-1960's) are currently being added to the Land Patent Website.

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About Land and Mineral Use Records GEO CommunicatorThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for cadastral survey, land and mineral use authorization, and resource management of the public lands. In support of the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, the BLM was given the lead by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Circular A-16) for Public Land Conveyance, Federal Land Ownership Status, and Cadastral Survey. To meet these goals, the BLM is providing the public with mapping capabilities to our land and minerals use authorization and mining claim record data.

Where does the data come from?

GeoCommunicator is the publication web site for the BLM’s National Integrated Land System (NILS). GeoCommunicator provides the public and the BLM searching, accessing, and dynamic mapping of data for federal land stewardship, land & mineral records and land survey information.

The data for this application comes from the BLM's National Integrated Land System (NILS), the BLM's Legacy Rehost 2000 (LR2000) (www.blm.gov/lr2000), the Range Authorization System, the Abandoned Mines System, the Facility Asset Management System, and from other data sources.

NILS is a joint development project between the BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) conducted in partnership with states, counties, and private industry to provide a comprehensive solution to integrate survey data with parcel-based land records in an enterprise GIS environment. As part of the BLM’s E-Government efforts and with the development of NILS, spatially displaying parcel data from many of the BLM’s computer applications has become a reality.

NILS consists of two environments: 1) a transactional side, in which cadastral data and land records data are captured, analyzed, edited, and committed to permanent records, and 2) a publication side, GeoCommunicator.

The BLM's Legacy Rehost 2000 is a text-based case recordation system for processing and recording information on BLM's land and mineral authorizations such as leases, permits, contracts, grants, agreements, land/mineral patents, and other use authorizations issued by the BLM for the U.S. excluding Alaska. The LR2000 system also includes unpatented mining claim records, land title records, withdrawals and classifications. Use authorizations are issued to the public for commodities and uses such as oil and gas, coal, sand, gravel, grazing, communication sites, and roads.

The land and mineral record information from the BLM's LR2000 System is being processed in NILS where the geometry for the land records is automatically being generated and stored with attribute data in the NILS geodatabase for spatial display and query. The NILS data is then exported weekly into the GeoCommunicator publication geodatabase for distribution, display, and query by the public. Not all the cases from LR2000 are available in GeoCommunicator.

Overview of LR2000 Systems

The BLM's LR2000 Case Recordation System contains current and historical information on use authorizations issued by the BLM on federal actions affecting public lands of the United States. Information on the use authorization includes customer data, location, date of issuance, the actions that have taken place, and other applicable information.

The LR2000 system contains the following subsystems:

Case Recordation contains current and historical information on leases, permits, contracts, grants, agreements, land/mineral patents, etc., issued by the BLM on federal actions affecting public lands of the United States. Authorizations are issued for the following activities: oil and gas, coal and other minerals, sand, gravel, rights-of-ways, land exchanges and acquisitions, land use withdrawals, mineral patents, land classifications, land claims, land sales, etc. Information on the use authorization includes customer data, location, date of issuance, the actions that have taken place, and other applicable information. Data concerning all land and mineral use cases on GeoCommunicator except for mining claims come from the Case Recordation system.

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Mining Claim Recordation contains information on unpatented mining claims located on federal lands including claimant name, approximate location, and other applicable information. Mineral patents are not contained in Mining Claim Recordation. Mining claims data on GeoCommunicator comes from the Mining Claim Recordation system.

Status System was a project to collection all the title transfer documents and land withdrawals and classifications into a computerized system. The system contains historical records until the early 1990s. Some examples of data contained within the Status system are:

Land Classifications for Recreation & Public Purpose, power sites, etc.

• Land Withdrawals for the National Forest, National Park Service (NPS), National Monuments, reclamation and other uses.

• Land Title Transfer for homesteads, sales, exchanges, mineral entry patents, etc.

What Are Cases That Affect Land Status or CASES?

Cases That Affect Land Status is a set of records displayed in GeoCommunicator from the LR2000 Status system that affect the land ownership and status. They include such things as land grants, land exchanges, land withdrawals, mineral patents, land disposals, etc. This data is displayed in all map viewers. The Federal Surface Management Agency layer that is displayed in all the map viewers in GeoCommunicator displays what federal agency is managing the surface of the land and is not consider land status. BLM State Offices offer Master Title Plats and Historical Index for more information.

Some cases can't be displayed

Not all cases from our LR2000 system can be displayed in GeoCommunicator for the following reasons:

• We don't have a land description in NILS to display the case. We use the land descriptions in NILS to automatically create the geometry for the case based on the case land description.

• The land description on the case is complex, missing, or bad.• We haven't written conversion specifications for the land survey type yet.

Note: In some cases only a portion of the land for a case can be automatically generated. In these situations, not all land is displayed and a flag is set to note that the case has only a partial geometry. For more information read the data disclaimer:

For access to all BLM case data use the LR2000 system.

The graphical display of land and mineral parcels and mining claims are NOT a substitute for the official BLM record. Most of the cases from the BLM's National Integrated Land System and the BLM's Legacy Rehost LR2000 (LR2000) are displayed in GeoCommunicator, although not all. Therefore, there are land and mineral records and mining claims issued or recorded by the BLM and maintained in LR2000 and other systems that occur on the land but are not in GeoCommunicator and therefore do not show up on the map viewer. Please refer to the LR2000 reporting system (http://www.blm.gov/lr2000) for a complete list of land and mineral records and mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are generally 'nominally' recorded to the quarter section. The actual location of the mining claims is somewhere in the mapped area. See "What's New" and "About" under each section for more information.

Many of our map layers include data from other agencies including abandoned mines, surface management agency boundaries, USFS range allotments and regulated uses, Topo maps, imagery, lakes, rivers, streams, etc. The USDOI does not control the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of information provided by other agencies, and therefore, provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data. For additional information regarding abandoned mine activities, please contact the Land Management Agency responsible for the public lands where the mine is located.

The data on GeoCommunicator can be used for information, mapping, graphics, and planning purposes only. No warranty, expressed or implied, including accuracy, relevancy, timeliness, utility, or completeness of the data, maps, or information is made by the BLM. nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty for individual or aggregate data use with other data. The BLM shall not be held liable for improper use of the data described and/or contained herein. By using this data you hereby agree to these conditions. The BLM survey data is intended for mapping purposes only and is not a substitute for an official land survey. Please read the DOI disclaimer for more information.

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BLM Cadastral Surveyhttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/cadastralsurvey.html

They are the surveys that create, mark, define, retrace, or reestablish the boundaries and subdivisions of the public lands of the United States.

BLM GPS COORDINATES FOR BLM PARCELS LITTLE SNAKE FIELD OFFICEhttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/lsfo/information/coordinates.html

Click on a township to access links to the files for the BLM boundary map or coordinate information for that particular township.

BLM Federal Land Records Site General Land Office Recordshttp://www.glorecords.blm.gov/

This site offers researchers a source of information on the initial transfer of land titles from the Federal government to individuals. Colorado is currently not listed on this site-only states that have been scanned and indexed are available however new documents are added daily. Federal Land Patents, Federal Land Status Records and Federal survey Plats and Field Notes are available.

Colorado Geological Survey 1313 Sherman St. #715Denver, Colorado 80203

USGS Map SalesBuilding 810Denver Federal CenterDenver, Colorado1-888-275-8747

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✓Goggle Government only Search

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BLM GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATE DATABASE (GCDB)http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/more_programs/geographic_sciences/geographic_coordinate.html

The Geographic Coordinate Data Base (GCDB) is built from the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) records and other source documents, and contains geographic coordinates such as latitude and longitude at the corner points of the rectangular surveys and special surveys (i.e., mineral surveys, homestead entry and tract surveys, etc.). The accuracy of the coordinate value generated for a corner point through GCDB, is in direct relationship to the era of survey or source document, e.g. coordinates generated through GCDB from surveys conducted in the 1800s using technology common to-the-day, have lower accuracy reliability than those coordinates generated from today’s Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The GCDB is designed to be the base layer which anchors the resource data to the legal description of the land and its position or location on the earth’s surface. US Forest Service Maps show roads, trails, streams, lakes, recreation sites, land ownership, and major points of interests within each National Forest. Maps of the Rocky Mountain Region are available through the USFS at 303-275-5350.

✓BLM & U.S. Forest Service Geocommunicatorhttp://www.geocommunicator.gov/ http://www.geocommunicator.gov/blmMap/Map.jsp?MAP=MC

Bureau of Land Management’s land stewardship, survey, and minerals management information. Contains a mining claims map.

Oil, Gas, and Geothermal LeasingCoal and Other Solid Mineral LeasingRights-of-ways (power, water, communications, roads, railways, pipelines, wind and solar energy) Mining Claims (unpatented) Land Use Permits Mineral Materials, community pitsLand & Mineral TitleLand Withdrawals & ClassificationsRange Allotments and Pastures, Allotment reportsFederal Surface Management Agency boundariesSubsurface Mineral EstatePublic Land Survey System - PLSS (township, range, section, lots, surveys) – Downloadable

BLM Heritage Resourceshttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/CRM.html

BLM Management GIS Data Siteshttp://www.blm.gov/nstc/gis/GISsites.html

List of various federal-level BLM GIS data sites and data sites by state.

Maps are continually being updated as newer techniques become available. Maps that are out of date can be useful to historians, attorneys, environmentalists, genealogists, and others interested in researching the background of a particular area. Comparing a series of maps of the same area can provide an understanding of where mining operations were. The early geological surveys that were done in the 1870s did have photographers and artist that documented the surveyed areas.

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✔BLM Land Patents Searchhttp://www.glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/

Land patents document the transfer of land ownership from the federal government to individuals. Our land patent records include the information recorded when ownership was transferred.

✔BLM Land Records Guide for searching thru the BLM General Land Office Recordshttp://uvpafug.org/presentations/Land_Records_Handouts.pdf.

BLM Map Informationhttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/public_room/map_info.html

Surface Management Maps are detailed resource management maps measuring 42" x 30." Fifty-six are needed to cover the state in its entirety. Each Surface Management Map contains Federal and State ownership information as well as geographic, topographic and roadway information. Township, Range and Section information is also clearly marked. A variation, the Surface and Mineral Management Map, depicts the location and nature of federally owned mineral rights in addition to surface management information. Maps are updated regularly to accommodate changes in surface ownership. Revisions are reviewed by staff at State and Field Offices to ensure accuracy.State Maps are 52"x 44" resource management maps of the entire State of Colorado containing Federal and State ownership information overlaid with Township and Range information. At this scale, maps contain only basic geographic, topographic, and roadway information.USGS Topographic Maps show topographic information, streams, roads, lakes and other physical features at a scale of 1:24,000. Surface management status is not shown, but they serve as an ideal supplement to Surface Management Maps. They are available through USGS at 1-888-ASK-USGS.

BLM Mineral Survey Procedure Guide, Surveyor Program and Mineral Surveyshttp://www.blm.gov/cadastral/minprocedures/mineralguide.htm#http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/more_programs/geographic_sciences/mineral_survey.html

BLM Records of the Bureau of Land Management Overview of Records LocationsRecord Group 4http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/049.html#49.13.4

Central Intelligence Agencyhttps://www.cia.gov/library/publications/cia-maps-publications/index.html

Agent for maps, atlases and publications released to public; worldwide scope.

EPA Enviromapperhttp://www.epa.gov/emefdata/em4ef.home

A single point of access to select U.S. EPA environmental data. This Web site provides access to several EPA databases to provide you with information about environmental activities that may affect air, water, and land anywhere in the United States. With Envirofacts, you can learn more about these environmental activities in your area or you can generate maps of environmental information.

Federal Geospatial Data Clearinghousehttp://registry.fgdc.gov/

A collection of over 250 spatial data servers, that have digital geographic data primarily for use in a GIS.

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✓National Archiveshttp://www.archives.gov/

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the official repository of the permanently valuable records made or accumulated by the U.S. Government, is responsible for preserving those records and making them available to the public, government officials, and scholars. Among the records in the Cartographic and Architectural Branch of the NARA, are more than 2 million maps produced by the Federal Government since 1774.

✓National Atlas.govhttp://www-atlas.usgs.gov/mapping.html

The National Atlas of the United States® is a concerted effort to present consistent and reliable national maps that can be used to explore the human dimensions of American landscapes and environments.

NASA Visible Earth Earth Explorerhttp://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/EarthExplorer/?dataset_name=NAPP

National Geodetic Surveyhttp://www.ngs.noaa.gov/

NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) defines and manages a national coordinate system. This network, the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), provides the foundation for transportation and communication; mapping and charting; and a multitude of scientific and engineering applications.

National Geologic Map Databasehttp://ngmdb.usgs.gov/

National Geophysical Data Centerhttp://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/

NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) provides scientific stewardship, products, and services for geophysical data from the Sun to the Earth and Earth's sea floor and solid earth environment, including Earth observations from space.

National Map Viewerhttp://nmviewogc.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administrationhttp://www.noaa.gov/

National Park Servicehttp://www.nps.gov/index.htm

The IMC contains information about and maps of national parks. The IMC delivers base maps and park brochure maps for geographic reference and navigation to and within parks. Across the top of the webpage are Tab's that switch you from Park Locator, to Park Atlas, to Resource Links and On-line Help. The Park Locator gives you the ability to identify and navigate to any park in the National Park System. The Park Atlas Allows you to explore the mapped resources for all parks.

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National Park Service: all publicationshttp://home.nps.gov/applications/hafe/hfc/salespub.cfm

National Park Service Digital versions of Printed Maps http://www.nps.gov/carto The maps on this site are digital versions of those maps found in the official brochures provided to National Park visitors. They are a product of National Park Service cartographers at Harpers Ferry Center.

Here you will find maps and data in three formats:

• Adobe Acrobat PDF (for general browser viewing and printing)• Adobe Illustrator (the same maps as the PDFs, but intended for professional print production and not viewable

in browsers)• JPEG shaded relief (large high-resolution topography for professional print production)

The maps at this site are in the public domain. You may use National Park Service maps provided that you agree to assume complete legal responsibility for problems resulting from their use.

National Park Service: GIS Homepagehttp://www.nps.gov/gis/

National Park Service Maps Harpers Ferry Centerhttp://www.nps.gov/hfc/carto/index.htm

The maps on this site are digital versions of those maps found in the official brochures provided to National Park visitors. They are a product of National Park Service cartographers at Harpers Ferry Center.

✓Public Lands Information Center Your One-Stop Source for Recreation Informationhttp://publiclands.org/home.php?SID=

Public Lands Map Center Find the maps you need to enjoy your Western Public Landshttp://www.plicmapcenter.org/

US Army Corps of Engineershttp://www.agc.army.mil/

Common Map Background, GeoPDF examples, AGC GeoGlobe (CAC Required), Water Resources

USDA Data Gateway Geospatialhttp://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/

The "one stop source of natural resources data." Includes census data, landmarks, road and water information, aerial photography (DOQQs and other), topographic maps (DRGs), and more.

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H USDA Forest Servicehttp://www.fs.fed.us/

USDA Forest Service Archeology Programhttp://www.cast.uark.edu/other/nps/maplib/

NADB-MAPS (Multiple Attribute Presentation System) Library provides GIS layers related to archeological data.

USDA Forest Service Maps and Brochureshttp://www.fs.fed.us/maps/

"A Guide To Your National Forests" is a free brochure showing locations of national forests and grasslands along with contact information. Available from forest service offices.

FOREST VISITOR MAPS US Forest Service"Visitor Maps" for each national forest and grassland provide forest-wide information on attractions, facilities, services, and opportunities. These maps are available to purchase from individual forests, the National Forest Store and many retail outlets.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS US Forest Service"Topographic Maps" provide the greatest level of detail and only cover small portions of a forest. These maps are available to purchase from the US Geological Survey, many individual forests, and many retail outlets.

SPECIALTY MAPS & BROCHURES US Forest Service Many specialty maps and brochures are available from individual forests and the National Forest Store covering specific trails, Wilderness Areas and other special areas. The US Geological Survey also sells many other map products covering the national forests and grasslands.

✓USDA Forest Service Geodata Clearinghousehttp://svinetfc4.fs.fed.us/clearinghouse/index.html

The FSGeodata Clearinghouse provides searching, viewing and downloading of geospatial datasets and metadata created and maintained by the USDA Forest Service over lands of the National Forest System.

U.S. Department of Interiorhttp://www.doi.gov/http://www.doi.gov/tourists/plan-a-trip.cfm

Recreation.gov offers a single point of access to information about federal recreational activities and reservations.

U.S. Federal Aviation Administrationhttp://www.naco.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=naco/catalog

Aeronautical products and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for nautical charts and NOS for spatial data.

U.S. Flood Management Association http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&userType=G

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Three very good friends. 1874. W.H. Jackson, US. Geographical and Geologic Surveys-Hayden

USGSID. Jackson, W.H.  514jwh00514

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EnviroMapper for Water is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application that dynamically displays water quality and other environmental information about bodies of water in the United States

U.S. Government Bookstorehttp://bookstore.gpo.gov/

✓U.S. Geological Survey homehttp://www.usgs.gov/

✓U.S. Maps and Data geodata.govhttp://gos2.geodata.gov/wps/portal/gos/kcxml/ZcvRCoIwGAXgZ-kJDplUXhpY4rKi2nC7kVFDBm4GRVFPn7K1oM7Vf76fAwEOYeVdN_KmOytbVBDTmtTRIhtew7lJwH9p_kds5YgVQTIvyyBbL4ePxEnh6DhJvrZ2FqdRWBK_LINQLwxl3hnVO5_1fZzuKUSrGnl6glowo602-qXOINjhYqhP9biqdPQGvVHAuw!!/delta/base64xml/L3dJdyEvd0ZNQUFzQUMvNElVRS82X0xfSVI!

Your One Stop for Finding and Using Geographic Data Don’t ask-only the Gov. could create such a long link!It does work, and you will have to work at learning your way around this site.

U.S. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency https://www1.nga.mil/ProductsServices/Pages/default.aspx

Nautical, aeronautical, terrestrial/topographic

U.S. National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA/DMA)http://egsc.usgs.gov/nimamaps/

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The maps and charts which the discoverers of new regions used to construct form a class of the most interesting historical documents. They not only illustrate in a most clear way the verbal reports and the geographical ideas of

the explorers and confirm them, but they also contain sometimes additional matter not contained in the reports. The greater number of authors on voyages and collectors of traveling reports, therefore, have accompanied their

works by maps.

Johann George Kohl 1857

USGS Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Centerhttp://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/

The U.S. Geological Survey Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center conducts unbiased research on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources to help the Nation make informed decisions using earth-science information.

USGS Digital Maps and Datahttp://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/data.html

USGS Earthexplorerhttp://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/EarthExplorer/?dataset_name=NAPP

Topographic maps are not the only cartographic products available from the USGS. The USGS publishes and distributes a variety of special-purpose maps. Some of these are topographic-bathymetric maps, photo image

maps, satellite image maps, geologic maps, land use and land cover maps, and hydrologic maps. Each type of map has a distinct purpose and appearance and, like topographic maps, all are available to the public for the cost

of reproduction and distribution. USGS maps are not copyrighted.

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HEXPLORATION: U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (Hayden Survey) At work. Summit of Mt. Evans. James T. Gardiner (left) and George B. Chittenden (right) at work with notebook and transit, respectively. Handwritten text at right: "Wm. H. Holmes Colorado 1873." Printed in another hand: "Field Book 1873 - W.H. Holmes. Vol. 1. 1873." Colorado, July 28, 1873. USGS ID. Holmes, W.H. 8223000182230001

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USGS Data Available in SDTS http://mcmcweb.er.usgs.gov/sdts/data.html

USGS Data Available in SDTS is a large amount of USGS Digital Line Graph (DLG) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data are available for immediate download, at no charge.

USGS--EROS Data Center: GISDATA Map Studiohttp://gisdata.usgs.net/search.php

Links and explanations of all types of USGS GIS data and how to get it.

✓USGS Geologic Map Databasehttp://ngmdb.usgs.gov/

Your Geoscience resource for maps and related data about: geology, hazards, earth resources, geophysics, geochemistry,geochronology, paleontology, and marine geology

USGS Geographic data downloadhttp://edc2.usgs.gov/geodata/index.php

Download major USGS data sets including DEMs and DLGs.

USGS Geography Productshttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/pubslists/

✓USGS Geological Atlas Texas A & M Libraryhttp://repository.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/2490

The Geologic Atlas of the United States is a set of 227 folios published by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1894 and 1945. Each folio includes both topographic and geologic maps for each quad represented in that folio, as well as description of the basic and economic geology of the area. The Geologic Atlas collection is maintained by Map and GIS Collections and Services within the TAMU Libraries.

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HFrench Gulch showing mines and dredging operations. Starting in the lower left corner with the Reiling dredge. This has just turned after a successful run upstream. A few visible operations are further identified from near top of hill at left to right: as Old Onion shaft, Old Union mill and tunnel, lower left, and Reliance dredge just right of center. Mineral and Farncomb hills are seen in the distant background. Breckenridge District. Summit County, Colorado. 1909. Plate 24-B i n U . S . G e o l o g i c a l S u r v e y Professional paper 75, 1911USGS ID. Ransome, F.L.  726 rfl00726

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H USGS Maps on Demand - Limited Printing of Digitally Supported U.S. Geological Survey Maps and Reports for Coloradohttp://store.usgs.gov/mod/co.html#HM-District

This is just one example of a map that is available for download

This map was constructed to identify ferricrete occurrences in the upper Animas River watershed.

USGS LIDAR DataIncludes elevation data. Lidar is a detection system that works on the principle of radar, but uses light from a laser.

✓USGS National Maphttp://nationalmap.gov/index.html

The geographic information available from The National Map includes orthoimagery (aerial photographs), elevation, geographic names, hydrography, boundaries, transportation, structures, and land cover.

✓USGS National Geological Map Data Basehttp://maps.ngmdb.us/dataviewer/

USGS National Map Seamless Serverhttp://seamless.usgs.gov/

USGS Publications Warehousehttp://pubs.er.usgs.gov

USGS Rocky Mountain Mapping Centerhttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/

Located in Denver, Colorado conducts mapping activities in the western United States, which include production of digital elevation and planimetric data, production of graphic maps, and development of new mapping techniques. The center maintains the worldwide distribution facility for more than 100,000 different maps, open file reports, and other products of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other Federal agencies.

✓USGS State Geologic Mapshttp://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/publications/maps.html#anchorStatemaps

✓USGS Storehttp://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/%28xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd%29/.do

Includes US topo maps, USGS geological/hydrological series, aerial photos, digital data, satellite images.

USGS The Four Great Surveys of the Westhttp://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1050/surveys.htm

✓USGS Topographic Mapping Only for Historic Referencehttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/topo/topo.html

The USGS began topographic and geologic mapping in 1879. Most of the early USGS mapping activities took place in the vast, largely uninhabited Western United States.

Camp of the miners of the North Star and Mountaineer lodes, on King Solomon Mountain, above Cunningham Gulch. San Juan County, Colorado. 1875

USGS ID. Jackson, W.H.  566jwh00566

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http://www.acsm.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=480

The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) was founded in June 1941 and is incorporated as a nonprofit educational organization whose goal is to advance the sciences of surveying and mapping and related fields, in furtherance of the welfare of those who use and make maps.

Cadastral Survey Principal Meridians and Base Lineshttp://www.blm.gov/cadastral/meridians/meridians.htm

This is information you would need when researching claims.

Central Intelligence Agencyhttps://www.cia.gov/library/publications/cia-maps-publications/index.html

Agent for maps, atlases and publications released to public; worldwide scope.

✓DAVID RAMSEY MAP COLLECTIONhttp://www.davidrumsey.com/This web site has wonderful resources, a must use site. Not only are there maps there may be pictures also. You are able to zoom into a map you might want to look at for more detail.

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Centerhttp://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/

The Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) is a remotely sensed data management, systems development, and research field center for the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Geography Discipline. The USGS is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Products & Data AvailableAerial Photography, Satellite Imagery, Elevation, Land Cover, Digitized Maps, Image Gallery

Data Discovery ToolsEarth Explorer, New Earth Explore, Glovis, The Seamless Server, NASA, LP DAAC USGS Geographic Data Download, USGS Web Mapping Portal. http://gisdata.usgs.net/

ESRI Mapping for Everyonehttp://www.esri.com/software/mapping_for_everyone/index.html

Free mapping tools. Anyone can use geographic information systems (GIS) to create maps and use them to make better decisions. Explore how you can make interactive maps and share them with others:

• Make a Map—Make interactive demographic maps and share them.• Web Mapping APIs—Create interactive maps and embed them in your Web site.• Virtual Globe—Use the free ArcGIS Explorer download to view your spatial data and combine it with free map

services.

Flash Earthhttp://www.flashearth.com/

Explore satellite and aerial imagery of the Earth from multiple sources including NASA, Microsoft and more.

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FS Geodata Clearinghousehttp://fsgeodata.fs.fed.us/#

Forest Service Maps include large and intermediate scale topographic, visitor, and special projects maps. These maps contain Forest Service information such as boundaries, surveys, facilities, roads, trails and other features.Other Forest Service Data Sets provide data from Forest Service research and development scientists, state GIS resources, and others. Also includes Automated Lands Project (ALP) data. View, Query, and Download Vector data for National Forest Lands including Cartographic Feature FilesRaster data for National Forest Lands Raster 1:24000 Map Files Download State and Private Forestry Assessment Data

geo community GIS Data Depot University of Denverhttp://data.geocomm.com/

Please note that data available from this site requires users to be proficient in GIS and may require access to GIS software. Numerous data holdings are available for free download, otherwise, data can be downloaded. ✓Geologic Atlas of the United States Texas A&Mhttp://repository.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/2490

The Geologic Atlas of the United States is a set of 227 folios published by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1894 and 1945. Each folio includes both topographic and geologic maps for each quad represented in that folio, as well as description of the basic and economic geology of the area.

geoplace.com The Authoritative Resource for Spatial Mattershttp://www.geoplace.com/ME2/default.asp\

✔Government Made Easy The U.S. Governmentʼs Official Web Portalhttp://www.usa.gov/

Where to search for topics on U.S. Government. I typed in gold and there were over 4 million resources.

Historical Census Browser University of Virginia Libraryhttp://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/

Historic Map Workshttp://historicmapworks.com/

Find maps by browsing millions of points of interest contained on maps within our collection. Points of interest are divided into categories and include buildings, cemeteries, churches, schools, geographic features and much more.

History Matters The U.S. Survey Course on the Webhttp://historymatters.gmu.edu/search.php

Designed for high school and college teachers and students, History Matters serves as a gateway to web resources and offersother useful materials for teaching U.S. history.

✓Hunting GPS Maps. Com Colorado Land Ownership Topo Maps for your GPShttp://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/colorado/GPSpubliclandownership.html

You will be able to see your position relative to public and private land boundaries. For example, if you are on a BLM section, your current location will show up on a yellow background. If you are on private land, your GPS will show your current location on a white background.

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Map History/History of Cartography The Gateway to the Subjecthttp://maphistory.info/

A round-up of national and international digital projects concerning early mapping.

Microsoft Research Mapshttp://msrmaps.com/Default.aspx

The Microsoft Research Maps Web site is one of the world's largest online databases, providing free public access to a vast data store of maps and aerial photographs of the United States. Microsoft Research Maps is designed to work with commonly available computer systems and Web browsers over slow speed communications links.

National Archives.GOV Historical Documents OnlineMaps and Geographic Materialshttp://www.archives.gov/research/arc/topics/maps.html

✓Oddensʼ Bookmarkshttp://oddens.geog.uu.nl/index.php

While this site is no longer maintained there is still access to hundred’s of resources. The bookmarks include over 22,000 links but it is not actively maintained.

Surveyors of The American West William Henry Jackson & Robert Brewster Stantonhttp://digital.nypl.org/surveyors/

William Jackson was an American photographer, artist and writer. He became the official photographer of the U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories in 1870. Robert Stanto was a civil and mining engineer, who was chief engineer of the Denver, Colorado Canyon and Pacific Railroad Co.

T I G E R Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing systemhttp://www.census.gov/

• TIGER/Line®Shapefiles are spatial extracts from the Census Bureau's MAF/TIGER database, containing features such as roads, railroads, rivers, as well as legal and statistical geographic areas.

• TIGER/Line®Shapefiles are made available to the public for no charge and are typically used to provide the digital map base for a Geographic Information System or for mapping software.

• TIGER/Line®Shapefiles are designed for use with geographic information system (GIS) software. The TIGER/Line®Shapefiles do not include demographic data, but they contain geographic entity codes that can be linked to the Census Bureau’s demographic data, available on American Fact Finder

The Big Four!

http://www.mapquest.com http://maps.google.com http://maps.yahoo.com http://maps.live.com

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Royal Gorge Field Office

Counties: Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Custer, Crowley, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Park, Prowers, Pueblo, Teller, Adams, Arapaho, Boulder, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma

SOLID MINERALS

Solid minerals management for the RGFO follows our diverse geology on lands that essentially extend east from the Continental Divide. Minerals include gold mining and placer activities, gravel pit management, and uranium exploration. Minerals management is challenged by complex and scattered land status that is often unsurveyed in mountainous areas that include historic mining districts. They manage the historic Gold Hill mine established in 1873 and hundreds of small placer mining operations along the Arkansas River from Cañon City to Leadville.

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Royal Gorge Field Office

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo.html

  3028 East Main Street   Cañon City, Colorado 81212

719-269-8500   Fax 719-269-8599

✔BLM Placer Mining Royal Gorge Field Office Area

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/minerals/locatable_minerals/placer_mining.html

You really have to click around the Royal Gorge Site – this gives you a direct link to the Arkansas River, Cache Creek Area and Notices and Applications.

Views among the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Camp scene. Sketching. Dr. Hayden and Walter Pari,Colorado. 1874. (Stereoscopic

view) USGS ID. Jackson, W.H. 1635 jwh01635

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BLM Gunnison Field Office http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gfo.html

BLM Gunnison Field Office216 North Colorado St. Gunnison, CO 81230Phone (970) 641-0471Fax (970) 642-4425Office hours are 7:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday

BLM Colorado River Valley Field http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo.html

2300 River Frontage RoadSilt, CO 81652970-876-9000FAX 970-876-9090

U. S. Geological Survey camp, with personnel and horses, near the mouth of Oh-Be-Joyful Gulch, Slate River Valley. Gunnison County,

Colorado. 1909. USGS ID. Lee, W.T.  446 lwt00446

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Garfield, Mesa, Eagle, Pitkin, Routt and Rio Blanco Counties

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BLM Uncompahgre Field Officehttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ufo.html

2465 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO  81401

Phone: (970) 240-5300  |  TDD (970) 240-5366  |  FAX (970) 240-5367

Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

BLM White River Field Officehttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo.html

White River Field Office 220 E. Market Street Meeker, CO 81641 Phone: (970) 878-3800 FAX:  (970) 878-3805 e-mail: wrfomail@blm.gov

Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 7:45AM to 4:30PM Closed on Federal Holidays

Blevins mine on Lay Creek, Yampa field, Moffat County, Colorado. 1906. Plate 12-B in U.S. Geological Survey. Bulletin 415. 1910. USGS ID. Hancock, E.T. 111 het00111CO

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BLM San Juan Public Lands Centerhttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/sjplc.html

15 Burnett CourtDurango, CO  81301

(970) 247-4874TDD: (970) 385-1257

Office Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to

5:00 PM.

BLM Little Snake Field Office

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/lsfo.html

455 Emerson Street Craig, CO 81625-1129

Phone: 970-826-5000 | Fax: 970-826-5002 | Office

Hours: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM M-F

EXPLORATION: United States Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (Hayden). "Table Rock," Golden City. Colorado Territory, July 28, 1869. USGS ID. Elliott, H.W. 82050027

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Grand Junction Field Officehttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html

2815 H. RoadGrand Junction, Colorado 81506

970-244-3000

Office Hours:  7:30a AM- 4:30 PM M-F

FAX 970-244-3083

The Hayden Survey was a federal government assignment: a commission to survey the land and resources of large sections of the Intermountain West and to report back to the government.  To read about Ferdinand V. Hayden, M.D., and for more information, see the USGS's essay on the Web, "The Four Great Surveys of the West," which notes that in 1872 the U.S. Government gave Hayden $75,000 for his Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories.  Although the United States Geological Survey was not established until March 3, 1879, the title page of these maps reads as follows:

Department of the Interior.United States Geological and Geographical Surveys of the Territories

Geological and Geographical Atlas of Colorado and Portions of Adjacent Territoryby F. V. Hayden U.S. Geologist in Charge 1877. Julius Bien, Lith.

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✔BLM Bureau of Land Management Coloradohttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en.html

BLM Fossil Resources on Public Landshttp://www.blm.gov/heritage/fossils_laws.htm

BLM Map Information Coloradohttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/public_room/map_info.html

BLM Survey Records for Coloradohttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/geographical_sciences/cadastral/records.html

✓Colorado Geological Survey Statewide Mapshttp://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=62 http://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=37

Colorado Geological Survey Map Storehttp://dnr.state.co.us/geostore/category.aspx?categoryID=45

Colorado Geological Surveyhttp://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=29

Colorado Department of Natural Resourceshttp://www.dnr.state.co.us/

The Digital Geologic Map of Colorado in ARC/INFO Format

http://geo-nsdi.er.usgs.gov/metadata/open-file/92-507/metadata.faq.html

This geologic map was prepared as a part of a study of digital methods and techniques as applied to complex geologic maps.

Geoscience Data Cataloghttp://geo-nsdi.er.usgs.gov/catalog/place.php?g=fUS08

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Triangulation, summit of Sultan Mountain. Wilson and Rhoda. San Juan County, Colorado. 1874.

(Stereoscopic view) USGSID. Jackson, W.H. 1111jwh01111

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✓Colorado's Biological Map and Data Resource MapIt! Interactive Mappinghttp://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html

The Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) website provides mapping, data, information, and links to similar websites concerning hunting, fishing, wildlife, habitat, and conservation planning issues in Colorado. The general public can quickly access basic information, interactive maps, and links to similar websites; while Conservation Planners, biologists, and mapping professionals have ready access to much more detailed information, and digital (GIS) map layers for planning and analysis purposes.MapIt! interactive mapping, where summits, campgrounds, streams, forest roads lakes, US Forest land and more can be viewed as a Topo Map, Aerial Photo or Hillshade

Colorado Geological Survey Downloadable Datahttp://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=32

Download Items• Base map and General Interest, Engineering Geology and Geologic Hazards • Environmental Geology, Geologic Mapping, Geothermal Resources, Mineral Resources • Publications, RockTalk Newsletter

Colorado Geological Survey Geologic Mapping http://geosurvey.state.co.us/Default.aspx?tabid=37

Colorado Geology Photo Journals A Tribute to Colorado's Physical Past and Presenthttp://geology.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&zTi=1&sdn=geology&cdn=education&tm=30&f=21&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.cliffshade.com/colorado/

Great images, maps and explanations of Colorado’s geology.

Colorado Ownership Management and Protection Mapping the Status and Trends of Colorado's Protected Places COMaPhttp://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/comap/index.html

COMaP is available for viewing on-line via the Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS). NDIS provides a wealth of various map layers that can be used to explore Colorado. The Identify tool can be used to view attribute information about any feature within COMaP.One feature of the MapIt! interactive mapping application is the ability to customize a map and then post a web address for others to view your map.

Colorado Renewable Resource Datahttp://www.coloradoenergy.org/corrd/default.asp

Transmission Lines, Wind Classes, Federal Lands maps. An interactive map of wind classes, transmission lines, and federal lands in Colorado. Click on "download maps" to download data-sets, including wind speed. (Works best in Internet Explorer.)

Colorado Water Conservation Boardhttp://cdss.state.co.us/DNN/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

The Decision Support System provides a wide range of water related research tools that are available online free of charge. These tools enable users to retrieve water data contained within HydroBase; including stream flows, lake levels, water rights, diversion records, calls, etc.Map Viewer A map based tool available online free of charge. This tool enables users to view data layers on a map. Layers include Climate Stations, Stream gages, Diversion structures, Well Permits, Land Use studies, etc.

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Digital Geologic Map of Colorado in ARC/INFO Format USGShttp://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1992/ofr-92-0507/

This geologic map was prepared as a part of a study of digital methods and techniques as applied to complex geologic maps. The geologic map was digitized from the original scribe sheets used to prepare the published Geologic Map of Colorado (Tweto 1979).

Federal GIS Coordination Committee of Coloradohttp://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/fgisccc/html/index.html

The Federal GIS Coordination Committee is composed of representatives from the various federal agencies in the Denver/Front Range area with an interest in sharing information on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related activities.

Field Division of Colorado National Park Servicehttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/berkeley/rensch3/rensch3h.htm

BIBLIOGRAPHY Source Materials, Books Dealing Primarily with North Central Colorado, and Texts.

Gold Out Westhttp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.goldoutwest.com/locmappadre.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.goldoutwest.com/sampledocs.html&usg=__2EvBQ_zypdUWupCO6J3bntDAMIk=&h=2200&w=1648&sz=249&hl=en&start=38&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=_M6MSlZSKggN3M:&tbnh=150&tbnw=112&prev=/images%3Fq%3DBLM%2BMining%2BClaims%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1

Historical Maps of Coloradohttp://alabamamaps.ua.edu/historicalmaps/us_states/colorado/index.html

Incredible resources of maps available which once you figure out how to view the site you can zoom in great details. Go to the Help section and follow the directions given. If you don’t mind dealing with Pop-ups which get in the way of your ability to view the maps you can access some great maps. Go to Help at the top of the page, click on historical maps, and discover a convenient method by which to gain access to the historical maps at the web site.

Historic Trail Maps of Eastern Colorado and Northeastern New Mexicohttp://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/2004/2828/

This limited-edition boxed set contains all 11 of Glenn Scott's historic trail maps plus a richly illustrated pamphlet that provides a biographical sketch of Scott, a description of how he started the historic trail map series, and text sections that describe the Colorado Gold Rush, Santa Fe Trail, Mexican Land Grants, and other topics. The boxed sets are available for purchase at Information Services, U.S. Geological Survey (1-888-ASK-USGS).Individual trail maps are also available for purchase at Information Services, U.S. Geological Survey (1-888-ASK-USGS).

Southwest Data Center, Inc.http://www.southwestdata.org/

Goal is to provide a neutral source of information for southwest Colorado, with a primary focus to create and provide GIS data over the Internet. Site includes maps, GIS links, regional GIS database, Make a Map, Metadata Clearinghouse, etc.

Public access to integrated and maintained data is a key component of the Data Integration Project. Data may be accessed in various ways depending on the client resources.

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Geocaching is a 21st Century treasure hunting adventure game played by global positioning system (GPS) users while enjoying freedom of access to the public lands. BLM welcomes this activity in the right locations on the public lands if conducted with minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land use ethics are followed.Geocaching is related to orienteering (where participants find their way with a compass) except it takes advantage of a GPS unit's capabilities. The locations of physical and virtual caches all over the world are shared on the Internet. Visitors use location coordinates to find caches, then are faced with a variety of rewards. The visitor may be expected to leave or replace items in the cache, deliver items to another cache, or take a self-portrait to upload to an Internet virtual album. The cache may be a small waterproof box or simply an unmistakable landmark to include in the portrait.

Geocaching may become a management concern for BLM if it jeopardizes public health and safety, causes environmental damage, or conflicts with other authorized uses.

You can avoid concern about establishing a cache by contacting the local BLM office to identify the intended location and request authorization. BLM will be happy to check that the proposed cache location:

• Is not near a known archaeological site• Will not interfere with threatened or

endangered species habitat• Will not conflict with other land uses• Is not hazardous• Requires no other special considerations

BLM's Geocaching Game Rules

• Identify proposed cache locations to the local BLM office before placing a cache

• Do not place caches at archaeological sites• Obtain a BLM permit for any competitive

events, contests for prizes, paid participation, or caches hosted by commercial business

• Advise BLM if you observe any misuse or abuse of a cache location

•• Policy/Action: A special recreation permit

(SRP) is not required if the geocaching activity complies with casual use conditions.

• The following conditions apply to casual use: the activity is

Not a commercial endeavor, the activity complies with land use decisions and designations, (i.e., special area designations and wilderness interim management policy), and it does not award cash prizes, is not publicly advertised, poses minimal risk for damage to public land or related water resource values, and generally requires no monitoring.

Geocaching ColoradoThis organization has been established to promote positive relations with land managers in Colorado, and increase communication in the geocaching community.

http://www.geocachingcolo.com/landmanagement.htm

Geocachingon public lands BLM

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The Colorado Genealogical Societyhttp://www.cogensoc.us/

Western History and Genealogy Denver Libraryhttp://history.denverlibrary.org/research/exclusive.html

Colorado Genealogy and Obituaries• Locally created content 59ers' Directory – Colorado Argonauts• A directory of their arrivals, removals, deaths, marriages, children, property, mines, and ranches, with names of old

towns, mining camps, gulches, mountains, rivers, creeks, and other matters relating to the setting of their lives in the Pikes Peak Region.

• Locally created content Colorado Mining Fatalities pre-1963• Personal information and dates of persons killed as well as major mine accidents, causes of accidents, mining activity

per county, poll of nationalities and more.• Locally created content Colorado Obituary Project• Statewide index of approximately 50,000 non-Denver obituaries mostly from the 1970s through 1990. Researchers

may request a copy of the full-text obituary through the Western History and Genealogy Department.• Locally created content Colorado State Reformatory Prisoner Records• Index of names of prisoners in attendance from 1887 through 1939.• Locally created content Colorado Statesman Index• Index of funeral notices, obituaries, and news articles from the leading weekly newspaper serving the African

American community from 1904 to 1954.• Locally created content Colorado World War I Casualties in Europe• Location of the burial place of each fallen soldier given.• Locally created content Denver Area Cemeteries• Historical background and a list of current cemeteries.• Locally created content Denver Obituary Index• Index of obituaries and funeral notices that appeared in the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News between 1936

and 2005.• Locally created content Denver’s War Dead - World War I• The names of the men and women from Denver who lost their lives during WWI. List taken from the article, “Hail,

Heroes! Hail!” which appeared in the Denver Post, November 11, 1920.• Locally created content Farmer and Hale Mortuary Index 1889 - 1909• Index to registers by this mortuary. Registers are available for in library use only and require staff retrieval.• Locally created content Horan Burial Index 1900 - 1956• Index to registers of burial by this mortuary. Registers are available for in library use only and require staff retrieval.• Available at Denver Public Library Historic Materials Available in the Library• Locally created content Old Ladies Relief Society Index• Index to residents of the old ladies home from 1897 to 1980.• Locally created content Sons of Colorado Index 1906 - 1908• Index of articles including biographies and obituaries of Colorado pioneers which appeared in the pages of the Sons

of Colorado. This was published by the pioneer society, Sons of Colorado. The title was later changed to The Trail.• Locally created content Trail Index 1908 – 1929• Index of articles including profiles and obituaries of pioneers that was published 1908-1929 by the Sons of Colorado.

Colorado Maps and Place Names• Search the catalog for images of maps and places.• Available at Denver Public Library Historic Materials Available in the Library• Locally created content Place Names of Colorado• A comprehensive listing of place names or sites in Colorado that would direct the researcher to recent and readily

available publications.Colorado Pioneer Records• Locally created content 1885 Colorado State Census - Arapahoe County• Schedules of population, agriculture, manufacturers and mortality.• Locally created content 1887 Denver City Directory• Arranged alphabetically, by address, and by occupation, race, gender and employer in three volumes.• Locally created content Clear Creek Pioneers Index• Index of pioneers taken from Annals of Clear Creek County, Colorado by J. S. Randall. Listing includes the pioneer's

name, place and year of birth, residence or place and date of death.• Locally created content Colorado 1861 Territorial Election• List of Colorado voters, boundaries, and poll locations in the 1861 territorial election.

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Locally created content Colorado Argonauts – 59ers' Directory• A directory of prospector arrivals, removals, deaths, marriages, children, property, mines, and ranches with names of

old towns, mining camps, gulches, mountains, rivers, creeks, and other matters relating to the setting of their lives in the Pikes Peak Region.

• Locally created content Real Pioneers of Colorado• List of some 1400 names of pioneers who arrived in Colorado prior to February 26, 1861. Names organized

alphabetically and include short biographies.• Locally created content Sons of Colorado Index 1906 - 1908• Index of articles including biographies and obituaries of Colorado pioneers which appeared in the pages of the Sons

of Colorado. This was published by the pioneer society, Sons of Colorado. The title was later changed to The Trail.• Locally created content Trail Index 1908 – 1929• Index of articles including profiles and obituaries of pioneers that was published 1908-1929 by the Sons of Colorado.

Colorado and Nebraska Military• Locally created content 10th Mountain Division Collection• Name lookup, exhibit, links and how to access the collection.• Locally created content Civil War Grand Army of the Republic - Colorado• List of Colorado veterans who served in the United States on land or sea during the Civil War.• Locally created content Nebraska Civil War Records• Lists of Nebraska veterans who served in the United States on land or sea during the Civil War.• Locally created content Colorado World War I Casualties in Europe• Location of the burial place of each fallen soldier given.• Locally created content Colorado World War I Draft Registration – Minorities• Index to draft registration cards on microfilm.• Locally created content Colorado World War I Draft Registration Cards• Index to draft registration cards on microfilm.• Locally created content Denver’s War Dead - World War I• The names of the men and women from Denver who lost their lives during WWI. List taken from the article, “Hail,

Heroes! Hail!” which appeared in the Denver Post, November 11, 1920.

✓Colorado Mining• Locally created content 59ers' Directory – Colorado Argonauts• A directory of prospector arrivals, removals, deaths, marriages, children, property, mines, and ranches, with names of

old towns, mining camps, gulches, mountains, rivers, creeks, and other matters relating to the setting of their lives in the Pikes Peak Region.

• Locally created content Colorado Mining Fatalities pre-1963• Personal information and dates of persons killed as well as major mine accidents, causes of accidents, mining activity

per county, poll of nationalities and more.

Locally created content Sons of Colorado Index 1906 - 1908• Index of articles including biographies and obituaries of Colorado pioneers which appeared in the pages of the Sons

of Colorado. This was published by the pioneer society, Sons of Colorado. The title was later changed to The Trail.• Locally created content Trail Index 1908 – 1929• Index of articles including profiles and obituaries of pioneers that was published 1908-1929 by the Sons of Colorado.

Family History Centers in Colorado LDS Library

http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHC/FHC_Results.asp?FHCCountry=United+States&FHCStateProv=CO&FHCCounty=&FHCCity=&submit=Search

Family History Centers are branch facilities of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Centers provide access to most of the microfilms and microfiche in the Family History Library to help patrons identify their ancestors. Everyone is welcome to come to the centers and use Family History Center resources.

Colorado Springs Colorado North8710 Lexington DrColorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado, United StatesPhone: 719-534-9621Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 AM-3:30 PM; Wednesday 10:00 AM-1 PM; Wednesday 6 PM-9 PM; Friday & Sat 10 AM-1 PM. Closed: Thursdays and Sundays. Snow closures, follow District 20 & District 38

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American Journeys Wisconsin Historical Societyhttp://www.americanjourneys.org/

American Journeys contains more than 18,000 pages of eyewitness accounts of North American exploration, from the sagas of Vikings in Canada in AD1000 to the diaries of mountain men in the Rockies 800 years later.

Apishapa Valley Historical Societyhttp://www.aguilarhistory.com/index.htm

Arvada Historical Societyhttp://www.arvadahistory.org/

✓COLorado Historical Societyhttp://www.coloradohistory.org/chs_library/research_coll_files/rc_maps.htm

They will be in the process of moving, so access to information may be limited in the coming months.

The collection consists of thousands of maps ranging in size from a few square inches to rolled railroad maps many yards long. Maps cover Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West from the time of Spanish exploration to the present. In addition to illustrating topography and location of natural features and towns, the maps cover many subjects such as:

• Bird's-eye view · historical sites• Indian tribe locations over time · land grants• Mines & mining claims · railroad routes• Road systems · stage routes• The Society's collection of Sanborn Insurance Atlases, available in microfilm format, include detailed views

of streets and buildings for many Colorado towns from the 1880s.

Colorado Historical Society Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservationhttp://coloradohistory-oahp.org/

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation creatively engages Coloradans and their guests in partnerships to discover, preserve, and take pride in our architectural, archaeological, and other historic places by providing statewide leadership and support to our partners in archaeology and historic preservation.

Land Surveys

Historical records of vegetation conditions are useful for establishing reference conditions since Euro-American settlement. In 1785 Congress established the General Land Office and a rectangular system for surveying land.

A subsequent act of 1786 provided for the subdivision of townships into one-mile square sections. With the publication of a guidebook in 1855, there was a standardized methodology for government-contracted surveyors.

The basic technique used trees at township, section, and quarter-section corners as references. Compass bearings and distances from the corner to usually either two or four trees were recorded. The common name and often the diameter of these "witness trees" or "bearing trees" also were noted, and the trees were marked with a characteristic blaze. Particularly in later years, surveyors often were instructed to provide descriptions of forest type, locations of streams and other landscape features, and the presence of major disturbances such as blow-

downs.

Although bias and even fraud are inherent in some land survey data, and absolute tree density, size, and species importance values cannot be reliably calculated, these data are still of great value in characterizing vegetation at

the point in time when each survey was made.

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Colorado Historical Trailshttp://www.coloradohistoricaltrails.com/

This will be a paid membership access site to thousands of Historical Colorado (1858 - 1926): Postcards, newspaper articles, drawings, souvenirs, magazines, journals, picture books, travel guides, census reports, stereoviews, maps, poetry and many other miscellaneous documents and items. This site is being developed.

✓Colorado State Archiveshistory links

http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/links.html

Early Mining in Northeastern Colorado BLM Cultural Resources Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/16/chap6.htm

Frontier Historical Societyhttp://www.glenwoodhistory.com/

Georgetown and Mount McClellan USGShttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/geology/publications/bul/707/trip1a.htm

Ghost Town Galleryhttp://www.ghosttowngallery.com/

Links to State Mining Agencieshttp://www.msha.gov/siteinf1.htm

Railroad RecordsColorado State Archives

http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/rrs/exhibits.htm

The National ArchivesSpecial List 29: List of Selected Maps of States and Territories

http://archives.gov/publications/finding-aids/maps/co.html

http://archives.gov/publications/finding-aids/maps/ks.html

125. Map of Colorado Territory, Compiled from Government Maps & actual Surveys. Made in 1861.

126. Map of Colorado Territory, Embracing the Central Gold Region.

127. Map of Public Surveys in Colorado Territory. [Map] to accompany report of the Sur. Gen., 1865.The above list is only a portion of maps that are available.

Historic Trail Map PDFCentral Colorado USGSTrail map text

Great info on toll roads and stage routes.

Topographic Map Scales & the General Land office Grid Utah GShttp://geology.utah.gov/surveynotes/gladasked/gladtopo.htm

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Georgetown, Historic Georgetown, Inc.http://www.historicgeorgetown.org/

Heritage West http://www.bcr.org/dps/cdp/hw_search.html

Heritage West is a database that brings together thousands of digital objects from the collections of museums, libraries, historical societies and archives from throughout the Western United States. Included in this database are photos, documents, artifacts, costumes, diaries, oral histories and manuscripts representing the West's cultural, scientific and historic heritage.

Jefferson County Historical Societyhttp://jchscolorado.org/

Lakewood Historical Societyhttp://historiclakewood.org/

Larkspur Historical Societyhttp://www.larkspurhistoricalsociety.com/

Maps at the Park County sitehttp://parkcoarchives.org/index.html

There are a limited number of maps available on line.

MINING AND TRANSPORTATION, 1890-1920 Western Slope BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/2/chap8.htm

There are a series of primitive maps which you can click on to find early places areas, town sites, roads, etc.

Mining Since 1920 BLM Cultural Resource Series

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/chap11.htm

Northwestern Colorado Exploration BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/2/chap4.htm

Old Colorado City Historical Societyhttp://history.oldcolo.com/

Historical page about Colorado City, El Paso County, and some Colorado Springs. Great old maps, including some railroad and mining maps. Old Colorado City Historical Society's History Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1:00 to 4PM Sundays in July and August. Admission is free.

One Day Trips from Denver USGShttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/geology/publications/bul/707/contents.htm

Don’t forget to go to the bottom of the page and check out the maps and drawings as well as photos

Palmer Lake Historical Societyhttp://www.ci.palmer-lake.co.us/plhs/index.shtml

Parker Area Historical Societyhttp://www.parkerhistory.org/

Park Countyhttp://parkcoarchives.org/index.html

The Park County Local History Archives Offers a safe storage and maintenance location for: Photographs, manuscripts, maps, books, newspapers, governmental minutes, public records, letters, documents, cemetery records, church records, oral histories, many more historically significant items.

Pikeʼs Peak Gold Rush and After BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/16/chap3.htm

Pueblo County Historical Societyhttp://www.pueblohistory.org/

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BLM MINING CLAIM DATABASE BLM is the official land and mineral ownership record-keeping agency for the Federal government. In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), all unpatented mining claims are required to be recorded at the appropriate BLM state office. When a mining claim location notice is received by a BLM state office, each claim is assigned a unique BLM serial number. BLM maintains a cumulative computer listing bytownship, range, and section of all mining claims recorded since 1976. This computer listing is known as the "Mining Claim Recordation System” (MCRS).

The MCRS database includes information on all mining claims located on public lands administered by the BLM or the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Mining claim locations in the following fifteen states are included in the MCRS database: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

San Juan County Historical Society Silvertonhttp://www.silvertonhistoricsociety.org/

Southeast Colorado INTO MATURITY, 1880-1900 BLM Cultural Resources Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/17/chap10.htm

Southeast Colorado A Period of Transition Into the 1870ʻs BLM Cultural Resources Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/17/chap8.htm

Southeast Colorado A Time of Building, 1870-1880 BLM Cultural Resources Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/17/chap9.htm

Southeast Colorado Into Maturity, 1880-1900 BLM Cultural Resources Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/co/17/chap10.htm

A Survey of the Recreational Resources of the Colorado River Basin National Park Servicehttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/colorado/foreword.htmThis extensive article details geological features in the area. A discussion of the river and its tributaries and formation is included.

The Natural Backdrop and Spanish Exploration BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/chap1.htm

The Stockmenʼs Frontier, 1880-1920 BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/chap6.htm

The Transportation Frontier in West-Central Colorado BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/chap5.htm

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National Park Service History and Culturehttp://www.nps.gov/history/

USGS Using Maps in Genealogyhttp://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs09902.html

US Genealogy Map Project: State, County, Territory Mapshttp://usgenmap.rootsweb.ancestry.com/usgenmap.htm

Virtual Museum of Surveying American Congress of Surveying and Mappinghttp://www.acsm.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=480

An interesting site to explore if you want to understand more about the history of surveyors, surveys, and survey instruments.

Voices of The Colorado Plateauhttp://archive.li.suu.edu/voices/voices.html

Offers more than 40 multimedia presentations featuring oral history excerpts and photographs that document aspects of life in the Colorado Plateau—encompassing parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado—during the past half century.

West-central Colorado BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/intro.htm

✔WEST CENTRAL COLORADO'S MINING FRONTIER BLM Cultural Resource Serieshttp://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/blm/cultresser/co/12/chap4.htm

Wichita State University Collection of Digitized Kansas Mapshttp://specialcollections.wichita.edu/collections/maps/18611869.asp?offset=0

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Gold dredge Jack Rabbit Spring. Moffat County, Colorado. 1912. USGS ID. Hancock, E.T. 113

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When examining historical mining maps you need to take into consideration the motivation the cartographer had to produce the map. There may be built in bias on a map depending on its purpose. As discussed in the past, the numerous handbooks that were produced during the gold rushes frequently contained information by individuals who had never explored the areas. Their information was copied from other reports and by word of mouth and not by any firsthand or scientific information.

In “Geology and Ore Deposits of the Alma District, Park County, Colorado” by Horace Bushnell Patton, Arthur Joseph Hoskin, and Gurdon Montague Butler in 1912, discrepancies are pointed out. In preparing their topographical map they were limited by time. “For this reason, the territory covered has necessarily been somewhat limited, and not all parts could be covered with equal accuracy.” (pg. 14) “Owing to the limited time available for the survey, it was necessary to choose the boundaries of the area somewhat arbitrarily.” (pg. 16) They felt that working above 14,000 feet and the rugged topography also hindered them. On page 17 the author states that in spite of the great ruggedness of the district almost every part is accessible on horseback. Was it or wasn’t it?

In some cases they used students to conduct parts of the survey. They felt that their accuracy was sufficient because it was checked by geologists. However, in the same chapter the author is quoted as saying: “The geologic mapping has been done by, or under the sole direction of, the senior author. Wherever possible, he has gone over the field in person. In some parts of the territory mapped this has been impossible, and the mapping done by student members of the party has been accepted without full revision.” (pg. 15) One wonders if it was impossible for the author why the students were capable of doing the work.

Scale was an issue and detail was dependent upon the actual size of the maps. There is frequent reference to the limits placed upon them due to the small scale of the map. The author states that due to financial reasons the maps were published on a very small scale. Maps were limited as to the amount of detail they were capable of representing because of their size. At times it was “impractical to show” all the formations. The smaller the map the less details are presented. “These contours have been prepared with considerable care, and in more cases may be considered to be fairly accurate-subject, of

course, to the limitations of the rather small scale on which the map is published.” (pg. 18) Their map was intended to represent the rock formations as they appear on the surface, leading to some interpretation of reading the geology that is underground.

“During the course of the field-work in connection with this report, the writer found numerous discrepancies between existing claim maps and the lines upon the ground. The map herewith will not check absolutely with any official maps, since it has been endeavored to make this map represent real conditions. And while this has been the aim, it is not presumed that all discrepancies have been covered.” (pg. 21)

While they were able to show known public survey markers they discovered that many corners and quarter-corners were missing. There may have been numerous reasons why section corners were scarce in mining districts. Landslides, steep slopes, development of wagon roads, and mine dumps are some of the reasons why some markers may have been missing.

They do not attempt to determine latitude and longitude because they did not have the appropriate equipment so they used the average from several maps of Colorado to determine latitude and longitude. If one map is copied by others and contains mistakes they will have been carried over and their accuracy needs to be questioned.

The maps size limited the ability to show the names of the claims and placers. Instead they included an index to the mines and placers. If the map was removed from the index then this information could have been lost.

The producers of this map used maps made by S.F. Emmons feeling they were “very clear and satisfactory description” but also stating: “that the maps are often at fault in detail was, of course, to be expected, considering the difficulties under which the survey was conducted, and the all too short time at his disposal.”

Concerning the determination of elevation, they used the average of many results showing the “proper” elevation of Mount Lincoln to be 14,278 to the nearest foot. By today’s standards of accuracy they fall short. Today’s measurement is 14,286 feet. They felt that “the two elevations thus obtained for a given station checked within two feet-a degree of accuracy well within all requirements.” (pg. 28)

Historical Mining Map DiscrepanciesBy LIN SMITH

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Government was also at fault. “At times, during the past few years, rulings have emanated from the General Land Office at Washington requiring patent surveys to be shown upon maps exactly as they were originally reported, regardless of any subsequent disclosures of error in the original surveys. Another ridiculous ruling was to the effect that every claim must be plotted upon the official maps solely according to its tie to a section corner, no matter how erroneous this tie may have been subsequently proved. Through the application of such illogical rulings, almost irremediable errors were incorporated into the official maps of many mining districts. The office of each surveyor-general was required to reconstruct relative positions of claims on the ground under the untenable theory that maps must show, not actualities on the ground, but the approved erroneous notes appearing in the illogical rulings, almost irremediable errors were incorporated into the official maps of many mining districts. Such a theory will not stand in law, but mischief was wrought in the official records of the government offices, which should be considered as highest authority.” (pg. 20-21)

Because numerous mining claims never had a patent survey or were never given an official claim number they were not represented on the map. Only mines that had undergone a patent survey were shown. They prepared the map without these “claims” with the excuse that “It

was not deemed advisable to make a map showing mere locations; they are too numerous, and often too transitory, to be given place upon a map that is already quite complicated and crowded.” (pg. 21)

The map also represented the lines of the public survey. Commenting that the section lines plotted well the author also states: “that all such work was done by contractors at prices far too low to warrant accurate surveying.” (pg. 22)

Despite the excuses made in the introduction of this bulletin there is a lot of information available for your research. Survey numbers, name, section, township and range are listed as well as claim names and their survey numbers. There are also detailed descriptions of the geology as interpreted by the surveyors at the time.

What does this all mean to the modern day prospector? You need to approach your research with an open mind. Just because a survey may have been done by a government office does not mean it is accurate. Time, scale, topography, experience, finances, attitudes, past accuracy all play a part in the accuracy of mapping.

Bulletin 3, Geology and Ore Deposits of the Alma District, Park County, Colorado, Horace B. Patton, Arthur J. Hoskin, G. Montague Butler, Colorado State Geological Survey, Boulder, Denver, Colorado, Smith-Brooks Printing Co., State Printers, 1912.

Historical Mining Map DiscrepanciesBY LIN SMITH

Main Author:   Colorado State Geological SurveyTitle/Description:   Map Showing Geology of the Alma District, Colorado   Publication Info:   Colorado State Geological Survey, Bulletin 3, Plate 2, 1912   Date:   1912   Scale:   1:30,000

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Abandoned Mines Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safetyhttp://mining.state.co.us/Abandoned%20Mines.htm

Abandoned Mine Lands BLM Nationalhttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/Abandoned_Mine_Lands.html

ASK a Geologist USGShttp://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/ask-a-geologist/

Do you have a question about volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rocks, maps, ground water, lakes, or rivers?

Bibliography of North American Mining Historyhttp://projects.exeter.ac.uk/mhn/bibUSA.htmltensive list of literature on mining.

No links, but you have the basics to start a search.

✓BLM Rock Hounding, Gold Panning and Dredging Regulations for Coloradohttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo/mineral_material_sales/rock_hounding.html

BLM Code of Federal Register (CFR’S)http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/more_programs/geographic_sciences/mineral_surveyor_program/code_of_federal_register.html

• Locating Mining Claims 43 CFR 3830• Locating Mining Claims 43 CFR 3832• Recording Mining Claims and Sites 43 CFR 3833 • Required Fees for Mining Claims or Sites 43 CFR 3834• Waivers From Annual Maintenance Fees 43 CFR 3835 • Annual Assessment Work Requirements for Mining Claims 43 CFR 3836• Acquiring a Delinquent Co-Claimant's Interest in a Mining Claim or Site 43 CFR 3837• Locating Mining Claims on Stockraising Homestead Act Lands 43 CFR 3838

Mineral Surveyor Program * Mineral Survey Patent Moratorium

Effective October 1, 1994, Congress imposed a moratorium on spending appropriated funds for the acceptance or processing of mineral patent applications that had not yet received First Half Final Certificate (FHFC) or were not in Washington, D.C. for Secretarial review of FHFC on or before September 30, 1994. Until the moratorium is lifted, the BLM will not accept any new applications.

* Who Can Stake a Claim * Where Can Claims be Located * Types of Claims * State Requirements * County Documents * Other Associated Filings * Stock Raising Homestead Act * Patenting a Claim * Surface Management

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Altman and Last Dollar mine from Battle Mountain. Direction north. Panorama with photos 526 and 527. Cripple Creek Mining

District. Teller County, Colorado. October 7, 1903. USGS ID. Ransome, F.L.  528 rfl00528

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BLM Locating a Mining Claim/Site http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/minerals/describing_mining_claims.html

Before you can locate a claim, you must determine if the lands are open to mining.

BLM Mining Frequently Asked Questionshttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/minerals/mining_faqs.html

Bureau of Mines Publications and Journal Articles 1910-1996http://www.ntis.gov/products/bom.aspx

The United States Bureau of Mines of the Department of the Interior was established in 1910 by the Department of the Interior and abolished on March 30, 1996. NTIS maintains the entire collection of the Bureau's publications, some 5,000 documents. This page lists the printed indexes that are available to locate these publications as well as providing a search box to locate publications in the NTIS collection. There is a cost for the publications.

Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center USGShttp://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/

The U.S. Geological Survey Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center (formerly the Central Mineral Resources Team) conducts unbiased research on the occurrence, quality, quantity, and availability of mineral resources in order to help the Nation make informed decisions using earth-science information.

Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining & Safetyhttp://mining.state.co.us/

This site provides information on the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, as well as many of the division's projects and other related topics. These include DRMS reclamation projects, general tourist information, mine safety issues, coal and mineral policies, forms, and links to very specific information in PDF format.

Colorado Geological Surveyhttp://geosurvey.state.co.us/.

Here you will find information about Colorado Geology: timescale, geological events, geologic mapping and more. Downloadable data: base map, engineering geology and geologic hazards, environmental geology, geologic mapping, mineral resources, publications and more.

History, Geology, and Environmental Setting of the Tweed Mine http://dnr.state.co.us/geostore/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=OF01-11

✓Colorado State Archives Colorado Information & History Digital Archives-Original Historical Records Scanned On-linehttp://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/info.htmhttp://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/digital/index.htm

• Digital Records available in mining limited number variety of minerals They have search, handling, and copy fees.• Mining Strikes of 1903• Laws of the Spanish Bar, Central and Eureka Mining Districts• Mining Photos

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Colorado School of Mines Mine Reportshttp://library.mines.edu/Mine_Reports

The Library's collection of mine reports numbers about 1,500 print folders, and 34 microfilm rolls originally from the Mine Map Repository, Intermountain Field Operations Center (Denver), USBM. The collection consists of reports on specific mine sites, primarily in Colorado and the western U.S., but with no geographic limits. It includes reports from the 1860s - early 1990s.

The print reports, stored in the Russell L. & Lyn Wood Mining History Archive, now include mine reports from other sources as well. Physical condition ranges from good to very fragile. The original collection from the Mine Map Repository contains overlap between the print and microfilm formats.

✓Colorado School of Mines Libraryhttp://library.mines.edu/

Government PublicationsThe Arthur Lakes Library is a selective depository for U.S. Government publications and has received about 30% of the items offered from the Government Printing Office since 1939. The collection consists of many types of formats (paper, microfiche, DVD, CD, and other electronic formats) covering a wide range of subjects with extensive collections of publications from many federal scientific and technical agencies. This collection is located on the first floor.The Library has been a depository for Colorado State government information since 1981.

MapsThe Map Collection has over 168,000 maps, and 6,300 books and atlases, with concentrations in topography, geology, mining, mineral resources and petroleum. All the maps and atlases can be located using the Library Catalog, and may be checked out. The jewels of the collection are the over 1,200 unique, mostly hand-drawn, mine maps covering parts of Colorado and the Intermountain West and pertaining to either gold or silver.

Russell L. & Lyn Wood Mining History ArchiveThe Russell L. & Lyn Wood Mining History Archive was established in 1995 by former Mines Board of Trustees member Russell L. Wood and his wife, Lyn. The Archive supports study and research into the history of mining, with emphasis on the U.S. Rocky Mountain West, and the history of the Colorado School of Mines. Subjects include mining engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, environment, and aspects of the mining industry including economics, commodities, transportation, law, education, labor, immigration and culture. The Archive is available to the public by appointment.

Information Center for Ropeway StudiesThe Information Center for Ropeway Studies (Ropeway Center) was established in 1991 and is the largest collection of materials on the theory, operation and design of ropeway and tramway systems in the U.S. The collection includes books, journals, manufacturers' catalogs, photographs, and artifacts on wire rope and ropeways.

Tell Ertl Oil Shale RepositoryThe Tell Ertl Oil Shale Repository was established in 1989 to house technical and non-technical materials relating to oil shale and the development of the oil shale industry, particularly in the western United States.

The Images collections consist of photographs, slides, negatives, stereopticons, and lantern slides dating from the 1880s-present. Some images are associated with special collections such as the Russell L. & Lyn Wood Mining History Archive and the Information Center for Ropeway Studies. Subjects include the Colorado School of Mines (people, buildings, activities), historical mining scenes, industrial equipment, engineering, wire rope, and mineral specimens.

Company ReportsThe Company Reports collection includes corporate documents (annual reports, 10-Ks, brochures, etc.) from some 2,000 companies in the mining, energy, and extractive minerals industries. This collection is non-circulating and onsite access is limited to Reference Desk hours.

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Colorado School of Mines Locating Maps in the Govt. Pubs & Map Areahttp://inside.mines.edu/LBGuide_Maps_Map_Room

The Map Collection has over 168,000 maps, 6,600 books and atlases, and 34,000 aerial photographs with concentrations in topography, geology, mining, mineral resources and petroleum. The jewels of the collection are the over 1,200 unique, mostly hand-drawn, mine maps covering parts of Colorado and the Intermountain West and pertaining to either gold or silver.• Maps may be checked out according to the Library's policies.• May maps be copied? Yes, the Library has several copiers on the 2nd level.

Colorado Spatial Reference Networkhttp://www.csrn.us/

Information about continuously operating Global Positioning System (GPS) reference stations and networks located throughout the state. This site is provided and maintained by the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado, Inc., a non-profit organization of professional surveyors and mappers dedicated to the improvement of land surveying education and practice.

Digital Data Services Historical and out of print maps from the USGShttp://www.usgsquads.com/svcs_historic_maps.htm

This company does charge for its services, but if you are into a detailed search of a geological area in Colorado, perhaps this will help you out. The services can be a bit pricey.

Geology.comhttp://geology.com/body.htm

Reference maps, geology maps by state00,0 earth science records, , physical, elevation and river maps of Colorado in addition to articles about NASA, volcanoes, rocks and minerals and new events.

Eurekahttp://eurekamagazine.net/

The Site for Historic Mining Collectibles

GEOLEX Help Information Geologic Age Definitions USGShttp://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Geolex/Help/geodef.html

Table with information about the different geological formations.

Historic Mine Report Files Index c.1900 – 1980 Colorado State Archives1313 Sherman Street, Room 1B20, The Centennial Building Denver, Colorado 80203http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/hmrfi/

This large collection of mining records from the Department of Natural Resources is organized alphabetically by county and alphabetically by mine name. The collection is especially useful to those doing corporate research, mine histories, geological work. Mine files consist of two types of reports: "Annual Operator Reports" and "Annual Inspector Information Reports." Information found in these records may include name of mine, kind of operation, mine owner, insurance carrier, mine operator, location of property, production for the year, labor statistics, geological formation, size of deposit/vein, and a description of equipment and structures.

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Numerical summary of mining claim activity on US Federal lands by section during the years 1976 through 2008 (through 2007 in Alaska). Compiled from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

✔Mining Claims Under the General Mining Lawshttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=c2feb74bbed585f7de8411ac2c5cd587&rgn=div5&view=text&node=43:2.1.1.3.73&idno=43

Mining History Associationhttp://www.mininghistoryassociation.org/news.htm

The Mining History Association (MHA) is an organization of individuals interested in the history of mining and metallurgy. Members include independent scholars, laypersons, college and university professors, historians, miners, geologists, retired mining industry personnel, and many others. The MHA holds an annual meeting, publishes a scholarly journal and a quarterly newsletter, and provides a forum for discussion of the history of mining.

Mining Industry in Colorado Colorado Historical Societyhttp://coloradohistory-oahp.org/programareas/register/1503/mps/mining.htm

Links to mines on the National Register in Colorado. In addition to links of all historic properties in Colorado

Mineral Resources On-line Spatial Datahttp://mrdata.usgs.gov/

Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Mineral Resources

National Mine Map Repositoryhttp://mmr.osmre.gov/MultiPub.aspx

The National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) has recently added the capability for the public to search the index of all mine maps in the collection.

National Geochemical Survey database USGShttp://tin.er.usgs.gov/geochem/ http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geochem/doc/home.htm

National-scale geochemical analysis of stream sediments and soils in the US, from existing data, reanalysis of existing samples, and new sampling.

Menotomy mapshttp://menotomymaps.com/Colorado_pan.asp

Blog, Panoramas, Detailed Old Maps, Railroads, Gold Claims, Old USGS Topos

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Mining History Networkhttp://projects.exeter.ac.uk/mhn/welcome.html#ToC

Provides a forum for discussion and a number of links on mining including the United States and International.

Mineral Resources On-Line Spatial Datahttp://mrdata.usgs.gov/

Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Mineral Resources

National Atlas. GOVhttp://nationalatlas.gov/ Maps of America are what you'll find and make on nationalatlas.gov™. Maps that illustrate our changing Nation. Maps that capture and depict the patterns, conditions, and trends of American life. Maps that supplement interesting articles. Maps that tell their own stories. Maps that cover all the United States or just your area of interest. Maps that are accurate and reliable from more than 20 Federal organizations. Maps about America's people, heritage, and resources. Maps that will help you, your children, your colleagues, and your friends understand the United States and its place in the world.The North American Environmental Atlas is intended for use by both environmental scientists and the citizens of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

✓National Geological Data Map Basehttp://ngmdb.usgs.gov/

Your Geoscience resource for maps and related data about: geology, hazards, earth resources, geophysics, geochemistry,geochronology, paleontology, and marine geology.

✓National Map USGShttp://nationalmap.gov/

The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. It has many uses ranging from recreation to scientific analysis to emergency response. The National Map is easily accessible for display on the Web, as products and services, and as downloadable data. The geographic information available from The National Map includes orthoimagery (aerial photographs), elevation, geographic names, hydrography, boundaries, transportation, structures, and land cover. Other types of geographic information can be added within the viewer or brought in with The National Map data into a Geographic Information System to create specific types of maps or map views.

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National Map Beta Viewer and Download Platformhttp://nationalmap.gov/viewers.htmlThe National Map includes several primary data viewers: the first viewer, The National Map Viewer, has the primary role of viewing distributed data sets from many contributing Federal State and Local Partners through dynamic web map services. The second viewer, The National Map Seamless Server, is the primary site for downloading USGS imagery, elevation and land cover data.

National Mine Map Repositoryhttp://mmr.osmre.gov/

The National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) has recently added the capability for the public to search the index of all mine maps in the collection.

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum Leadville, Coloradohttp://www.leadville.com/miningmuseum/index.htm

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazardshttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) is intended as a source of general industrial hygiene information on several hundred chemicals/classes for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals.

✓Recreational Gold Prospecting on Public Land BLMhttp://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/info/browse/gold_panning.print.html

USGS Earth Explorerhttp://edcsns17.cr.usgs.gov/EarthExplorer/

USGS Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Centerhttp://rmgsc.cr.usgs.gov/rmgsc/

✓USGS A Tapestry of Time and Terrain Union of Two Maps Geology and Topographyhttp://tapestry.usgs.gov/Default.html

✓Western Museum of Mining and Industryhttp://www.wmmi.org/

225 Northgate Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80921Main: 719.488.0880 Toll Free: 800.752.6558

The mission of the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is to educate the public about the history and continuing contributions of mining in the American West through its collection, restoration, exhibition and interpretation of artifacts related to mining, metallurgy and their support industries. GPOC CURRENT MEMBERS ARE ADMITTED FREE.

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USGS Geologic Glossaryhttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/misc/glossaryAtoC.html

USGS Geology in the Parkshttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/project/home.html

USGS Geologic Mapshttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/gmap/gmap1.html

USGS Geological Timehttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/gtime/gtime1.html

USGS Rockshttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/rxmin/rock.html

USGS Rock Classification Charthttp://www.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/rxmin/rockchart.html

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=146

History of the American West, 1860-1920Features 30,000 photos of Colorado towns and landscapes that document the role of mining in the history of Colorado and the West. Photos of Native Americans from more than 40 tribes are included.

Helpful Resources You Might Look For

•Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners plats and mining claim informationhttp://trustlands.state.co.us/MapsandData/Pages/MapsAndData.aspx

•Bureau of Mines reference to mining maps Denver Public Library

•Colorado Land Office plats

•Photogrammetric Sec. USGS aerial photography 1” to 1000 feet showing mines.

•BLM index of all claims, mining maps and mining claim maps with bearings.

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Bureau of Land Management Survey Recordshttp://www.co.blm.gov/cadastral/records.htm

Colorado State Office2850 Youngfield St.Lakewood, CO 80215-7093(303) 239-3600 FAX: (303) 239-3933 Hours: 7:45 - 4:15, M-FAccess: must examine onsite. Copy Purchase Prices: $1.10 per page; microfilm is available for purchase at $ .50 per sheet

Colorado Country Formation Maps 1850http://www.familyhistory101.com/maps/co_cf.html

Links to rotating animated maps showing all the county boundary changes & all the county boundaries for each census year for each year overlaid with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries

Colorado Department of Natural Resourceshttp://dnr.state.co.us/

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources was created with a mission to develop, preserve and enhance the state's natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future citizens and visitors.

Colorado Department of Transportation Mapshttp://www.dot.state.co.us/app_dtd_dataaccess/maps/index.cfm?fuseaction=mapsmain&menutype=maps

This page provides access to web-viewable maps. All the maps are Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. These files require the Adobe Acrobat reader plug-in to be installed on your computer. Acrobat Reader versions 4.0 or 5.0 are required for these pages to display correctly. City, County, Statewide, Traffic Volume and Travel Maps are available.

Colorado OHV Programhttp://parks.state.co.us/OHVsandSnowmobiles/OHVProgram/Pages/OHVProgramHome.aspx

Off-highway vehicles must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, dirt bikes, three-wheelers, ATVs, and dune buggies that are operated on public land or trails in Colorado.This site will give you information about registration, laws and regulations, where to ride, etc.

Colorado Spatial Reference Networkhttp://www.csrn.us/

Information about continuously operating Global Positioning System (GPS) reference stations and networks located throughout the state. The CSRN is Colorado's premier clearinghouse for information about real time Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Reference Networks located throughout the state.This site is provided and maintained by the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado, Inc., a nonprofit organization of professional surveyors and mappers dedicated to the improvement of land surveying education and practice.

Colorado State Archiveshttp://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/muninc.html

The Colorado State Archives has custody of the incorporation records for most cities and towns covering the period 1871 through 1977. The more recent municipal incorporation records are housed at the Office of the Secretary of State. They provide the researcher with genealogical and legal documentation. Municipal incorporation records may have plat and city plan maps as well as charters. Furthermore, these records may include voting records and poll books, which provide the names of those living in the prospective city and its founding citizens.

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Colorado State Archives Territorial Incorporationshttp://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/corps/terrcorp.htm

An alphabetical listing of the businesses that were incorporated in Colorado from 1861-1875. Articles of Incorporation were filed through the Secretary of State's Office and through the Territorial Legislature. Records can thus be found in the Secretary of State's Incorporation Books and in the Legislative Session Laws.

Colorado State Forest Servicehttp://www.csfs.colostate.edu/index.shtml/

✓Colorado State Land Boardhttp://trustlands.state.co.us/MapsandData/Pages/MapsAndData.aspxThe State Land Board manages all of its parcel information in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and has data available in several formats - pre-made pdf maps, raw gis data, and interactive map server.  Several summary statistic documents are also posted here.

Colorado State Parkshttp://parks.state.co.us/Pages/HomePage.aspx

Registration, location, OHV’s, Boating, Passes, and more.

Colorado State Tourismhttp://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CO-Portal/CXP/Page/1174084099735/1165693060239

Welcome to Colorado.gov, Colorado State government's official source for online services and information available to tourists and individuals interested in experiencing Colorado.

Denver Regional Council of Governmentshttp://www.drcog.org/index.cfm?page=RegionalDataAndMaps

DRCOG produces a variety of information to support the planning and policy decisions that shape the region. Much of this information is provided free of charge as long as DRCOG is cited as the source.

The map gallery includes PDFs of frequently requested maps. Use the green bar on the right to scroll through the gallery, and click on the small images to view the full-sized PDF.

*TerraserverUSA: USGS DRGs and DOQQs, including high-resolution orthoimagery of urban areas. Free Internet resource. Download using the ArcGIS Terraserver Toolbar for full resolution. http://msrmaps.com• Seamless Data Distribution System: From the USGS. Search and download National Elevation Dataset, National Land Cover Dataset, High Resolution Orthoimagery, and more. http://seamless.usgs.gov/ • Digital Line Graphs (DLGs), the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), and many other datasets produced by the USGS can be downloaded for free from the USGS web site: http://edc.usgs.gov/geodata/ • National Atlas: Downloadable reference and thematic GIS data (plus interactive and printable maps). http://www.nationalatlas.gov/ • National Map: High-quality current digital geographic data including topographic and bathymetric map data, satellite and aerial photography, geographic names, land cover data, hydrographic data, transportation data, and administrative data. Download free in increments up to 100 Mb. http://nationalmap.gov/ • Colorado Geologic Map GIS data: ArcInfo format, 1:500,000 USGS OFR 92-507-A: http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state/state.php?state=CO

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Colorado Rockhoundinghttp://www.peaktopeak.com/colorado/index.php3

Shows the types of minerals that can be found in Colorado. Focus is on crystalized specimens, although non-crystalized specimens are mentioned. By clicking on the map you can find the regions with their list of minerals, location and counties.

Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region GIS Data Library UShttp://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gis/VG_Kiosk.shtml

Data files are in compressed KML (KMZ) format.

GIS Data for Coloradohttp://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/links/gis.htm#co

Large list with links to other sites.

Great Outdoors Coloradohttp://www.goco.org/

Because of the remoteness of the gold regions in Colorado there was a lack of laws. To mitigate misunderstandings and litigation the miners created “Mining Districts” as a form of miners government. The districts were regulated by their own constitutions in addition to regulating the boundaries, size and possession of mining claims creating “mining codes”. These varied from district to district. They were bound by geographic features and mineral surveys. The boundaries were often poorly defined and overlapped. With the development of land surveys and the organization of counties the mining districts lost their power. With the creation of Jefferson Territory (Colorado Territory), done without the authorization of Congress, an attempt was made to create a more uniform and stable government.

Districts came and went depending on their prosperity. Smaller districts were absorbed by larger ones, names changed, and if a district was not profitable its boundaries and records were lost. District became a term that was applied not only to the mining areas but also to a single mine, town, or geographic feature. It can be confusing when you are researching records. You may find county archives a reliable resource. They maintain records, writings and maps. By looking for production information, descriptions of history, dates of production and amounts, and references to other sources such as the USGS or the Colorado Geological Survey you may gain valuable information. If would probably not be to your best interests to pursue an area which was productive for a short time or which had poor returns. Lin Smith

From 1901

“The General Land Office has recently issued an edition of its map of the United States for 1900. In general appearance it differs little from former editions, but the scale has been changed slightly; and as the scale is not given, the reader will find it necessary to determine it from the projection lines. Besides the ordinary recent information assembled upon the map, it presents, by bold lines and lettering, the accessions of territory and the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition. These seem scarcely in keeping with the character of the map, which is certainly not historical.

At the foot of the map are added, upon various scales, small maps or diagrams of our recent accessions of territory. Among them appears " Pine Island," evidently intended for Isle of Pines. The addition of this island in this position in an official map, as a possession of the United States, is a bit of unwisdom, as the implication carried with it cannot fail to irritate our Cuban neighbours.” From the Bulletin of the American Geographical Society, Vol. 33, 1901 American Geographical Society of New York

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National Archives Rocky Mountain Regionhttp://www.archives.gov/rocky-mountain/index.html

Telephone: (303) 407-5740 (303) 407-5751Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25307Denver, Colorado 80225Location: Textual Research RoomDenver Federal Center Building 48Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.Closed all Federal Holidays

Located in Buildings 46 and 48 of the Denver Federal Center (DFC).

• The Center is a mile square campus located on the Southwest corner of 6th Avenue and Kipling Street.• The main entrance is on the West side of Kipling, just north of Alameda Avenue.• Visitors must present a picture identification card to the guard at the entrance to the Denver Federal Center.• Visitors, their automobiles, and their belongings are subject to being scanned and searched.• Visitor parking areas are northwest and east of Building 48.• Building 48, the main building, is the last building on the right. Use the north entrance.• Determine Which Building to Go To• Building 46, for microfilm research, is directly behind and to the south of Building 48, at Fifth Street and Center

Avenue.

Archival holdings are composed of Federal records that date from the mid-1800s to the late 1900s received from over 100 Federal agencies and courts.

The Rocky Mountain Region of the National Archives holds nearly 12,000 cubic feet of records from the Bureau of Reclamation documenting such projects across the country. While their holdings are usually limited to the mountain west states, headquarters for the Bureau of Reclamation are located in Denver thus providing their project and administrative records from across the country.

U.S. National Archives and Records Administrationhttp://www.archives.gov/

As a center for historical and genealogical research, they have both an Archival and Microfilm Research Room.

They hold records created or received by nearly 80 Federal agencies and the Federal courts in:

Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and other states

Affiliated Archives are public or nonprofit archives that hold — by written agreement with the National Archives — Federal records owned by the National Archives.

State Records Center and Archives, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Yellowstone National Park

The Denver facility, has nearly 50,000 cubic feet of original archival records dating from 1847 to the 1990s.

•Paper documents, Photographs, maps, architectural drawings

Subjects covered include, but are not limited to:

•Homesteading, mining, Indian agencies, railroads, dam construction and other reclamation projects, national parks and forests, naturalizations, the home front during World War II, proceedings of territorial courts

•Microfilm Publications-In addition to unique archival records, the Archives facility has a large collection of National Archives microfilm publications.

•History, economics, public administration, political science, law, ethnology, genealogy, US diplomacy, Revolutionary War, Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American-Government relations, Westward expansion, World War II

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USDA Forest Service Roadless Area Conservationhttp://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTFzMTAwjQL8h2VAQAJp-nEg!!/?ss=119930&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=null&navid=111000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=roadmain&pname=Roadless-%20Colorado%20Roadless%20Rule

The proposed Colorado Roadless Rule is a regulation specific to Colorado that provides management direction for approximately four million roadless acres of National Forest System lands in Colorado. A roadless area is generally undeveloped land that is at least 5,000 acres in size or is adjacent to congressionally–designated Wilderness. The proposed rule does two things: 1) establishes Colorado roadless areas by accurately identifying areas with roadless character and 2) provides prohibitions on road–construction and tree–cutting in those roadless areas.

The following is an excerpt from this web site. Research this site and you may find new areas to gold pan.

Silverheels #39 (7,500 acres)

1. Description

The Silverheels CRA is located in the Pike National Forest, South Park Ranger District, in Park County. This CRA is located north of the Town of Fairplay, on the East side of Hoosier Ridge and the Continental Divide. The dominate landscape features are Mount Silverheels (13,822 feet) rising from the center of the CRA, and Palmer Peak (12,517 feet) in the Southeast corner. The western boundary follows the East side of the Beaver Creek drainage and Beaver Creek, as well as the boundary of a parcel of private land. The southern boundary stretches east from Beaver Creek above old timber harvest units and roads within the Crooked Creek drainage, to Trout Creek. The eastern boundary follows Trout Creek and NFSR 194 north to a private land boundary in the headwaters of Tarryall Creek. The entire northern boundary follows adjacent private land consisting of many patented mining claims, within Montgomery Gulch. Access to the CRA is possible via NFSR 659 (Beaver Creek Road) to the East or NFSR 194 (Trout Creek Road) to the west. The CRA is within the Northern Parks and Ranges Eco-Section (M331I). Elevations rise from roughly 10,500 feet in the Southeast corner to 13,822 feet at the top of Mount Silverheels. Vegetation in the Northwest is alpine tundra in the higher elevations; more moderate elevations across the South support spruce-fir, lodgepole and bristlecone pine, and aspen. Wetlands include examples of montane and subalpine riparian areas and willow carrs.

2. Roadless Characteristics

The CRA is located within the Kenosha Pass LAU and contains suitable winter, denning, and movement habitat for the federally threatened Canada lynx. The federally threatened plant Penland eutrema (Eutrema penlandii) is also found within the CRA. The CRA also contains bighorn sheep, ptarmigan, and the Porter’s feathergrass (Ptilagrostis porteri), which are listed as Forest Service sensitive species within the Rocky Mountain Region. The CRA is within the summer range of bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat, and the summer and winter range of elk and mule deer. Habitat for black bear, mountain lion, and ptarmigan is also located within the CRA. An elk calving area is located within the eastern portion of the CRA. The western portion of the CRA is within a severe winter area for mule deer, while the central portion is within a winter concentration area of this species. The CRA also contains a bighorn sheep summer concentration area.

The diverse mountain terrain provides a variety of recreation experiences from gold panning on the boundary in Beaver Creek to hunting, fishing and hiking. Motorized recreation, including ATV, motorcycle and snowmobile travel, takes place on roads, trails and old logging roads surrounding the CRA. Mount Silverheels is becoming a popular high 13,000 foot peak for climbers and is accessed on non-system and cross-country routes from Hoosier Pass, NFSR 659 (Beaver Creek Road) and NFSR 669 (Crooked Creek Road). The CRA provides a multitude of recreation opportunities including off trail hiking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing and opportunities for solitude. Many recreationists travel cross country to climb Mount Silverheels. There are no system trails within this CRA. This CRA is within a state defined source water assessment area (municipal water supply). Beaver Creek supplies municipal water for the town of Fairplay.

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Art Source International Rare and Antique Map Distributerhttp://www.rare-maps.com/

Blue Monocle Mapshttp://bluemonocle.com/Maps/

DeLorme Mappinghttp://www.delorme.com/

Mapping, GPS, and Digital Data Technologies

Digital Vector Maps http://digital-vector-maps.com/

FEMA Map Service Center Floodhttp://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1

Garminhttp://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us.

Hema Maps (Australia)http://www.hemamaps.com.au/

International Travel Maps (Vancouver, B.C.)http://www.itmb.com/

Latitudes Map and Travel Storehttp://www.latitudesmapstore.net/

Map Link http://store.maplink.com/

MapQuest Map Storehttp://www.mapquest.com/

MyTopo Map Pass Commercialhttp://map-pass.mytopo.com/

National Geographic Map Storehttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Omni Resourceshttp://www.omnimap.com/

Powell's Books Maps Sectionhttp://www.powells.com/psection/Maps.html

Rand McNally & Co.http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/home.jsp

Universal Maphttps://www.universalmap.com/

USGS Survey Storehttp://store.usgs.gov/b2c_usgs/b2c/start/%28xcm=r3standardpitrex_prd%29/.do

World of Maps (Ottawa, Ont.)http://www.worldofmaps.com/

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Map of the Internal Provinces of New Spain, by Zebulon Pike, 1807

I have a map of the United States... Actual size. It says, "Scale: 1 mile = 1 mile." I

spent last summer folding it. I also have a full-size map of the world. I hardly ever

unroll it. People ask me where I live, and I say, "E6."

-- Steven Wright

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EXPLORATION: U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (Hayden Survey) Sheet number 9. Sketch with watercolor (?) added, of rugged mountain peaks with snow. Colorado 1873. USGS

ID. Holmes, W.H. 74480009

Colorado Lore, Legend and Facthttp://www.ellensplace.net/hcg_fac.html

Colorado Vacation Directoryhttp://www.colorado-directory.com/maps/

Colorado State Parks, Colorado Map ,Colorado Scenic Byways, Colorado Map,Colorado Rafting

The Historical Marker Data Basehttp://www.hmdb.org/

This website is an illustrated searchable online catalog of historical information viewed through the filter of roadside and other permanent outdoor markers, monuments, and plaques. It contains photographs, inscription transcriptions, marker locations, maps, additional information and commentary, and links to more information. Anyone can add new markers to the database and update existing marker pages with new photographs, links, information and commentary.

Tourist Mine Links Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining & Safetyhttp://mining.state.co.us/Tourist%20Mine%20Links.htm

The Official Site of Colorado Tourismhttp://www.colorado.com/MyColoradoMap.aspx

This is another commercial site, but perhaps you will gain some information about current events and weather conditions. They also have an interactive Google map of the state of Colorado which you can access for free.

Use Colorado.com to find visitor information on things to see and do across the state. Complete with travel-planning tools, articles, information on cities and towns, Colorado State maps, itineraries and more, Colorado.com is your one-stop vacation planner. Order the free Official State Vacation Guide for trip ideas and to find out what’s now, timeless and surprising about traveling in Colorado.

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Colorado School of MinesGeology Museum

http://www.mines.edu/academic/geology/museum/Location: General Research Laboratory (GRL) building, 1310 Maple St., Golden, CO 80401

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Closed certain legal and school holidays.

Phone: (303) 273-3823

The main floor exhibits feature specimens from many Colorado mining districts, other global localities and an introductory video on area geology. The Special Exhibit Room hosts prominent precious metal and invited displays. The main gallery also features historic mining murals by Irwin Hoffman.

Excellent gold nugget collection in the Arthur Lakes Library.

Evaluation of specimens is performed between 10 a.m. and noon, Tuesdays

ColoradoMining and mineral museums

Denver Museum of Nature and Science http://www.dmnh.org/2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver (303) 322-7009

Western Museum of Mining and Industryhttp://www.wmmi.org/ 1025 Northgate Road, Colorado Springs (719) 488-0880 or 1-800-752-6558

The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museumhttp://www.leadville.com/miningmuseum/ 120 W 9th, Leadville (719) 486-1229

Gilpin County Historical Society and Museumhttp://www.gilpinhistory.org/

228 High Street, Central City (303) 582-5283

Lowell Thomas Museum http://www.victorcolorado.com/museum.htm3rd and Victor Avenue, Victor

Nederland Historical Society and Museum http://www.nederlandmuseums.org/

4th and Bridge Streets, Nederland, Boulder County (303) 285-3575

Ouray County Historical Society and Museumhttp://www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org/ 420 Sixth Street, Ouray (970) 325-4576

Walsenburg Mining Museumhttp://www.spanishpeakscountry.com/WalsenburgMiningMuseum.aspx

112 W 5th Street, Walsenburg (719) 738-1992

Libraries of local historical groups or museums can be useful resources. They may have old city and business directories; old city, county, and regional atlases or maps; and old newspapers.

Mining Cart outside of Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum

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Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining & Safety Mines and Museumshttp://mining.state.co.us/Tourist%20Mines.htm

photo by Lin Smith

photo by Lin Smith

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Historical Atlases

These are an atlas that may include maps, photographs and articles.

A Genealogical and Historical Atlas of the United States of America, Everton Publishers, Logan, Utah, 1976.

Atlas of American History: Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1943.

Historical Atlas of the American West, Warren A. Beck and Ynez D. Haase, U. of Oklahoma Press, 1989.

Historical U.S. County Outline Map Collection 1840-1980: Department of Geography, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 1984.

Township Atlas of the United States: Audroit Associated, McLean, Va., 1979.

A Series of County Outline maps of Southeastern United States of the Period 1790-1980: Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, 1973.

Colorado Mine Tours

The mine tours in Colorado are usually seasonal. You need to call ahead to confirm the mine schedules. Not all the tours are at a gold mine, but you can learn about mining in Colorado.

Argo Gold Mine and Mill 2317 RiversideIdaho Springs, Colorado 80452(303) 567 2421 http://www.historicargotours.com/

Bachelor Syracuse Mine (tour) 1222 County Rd. 14Ouray, CO 81427(970) 325-0220 or 888-227-4565http://bachelorsyracusemine.com/

Carbonate MineIowa Milling Co., Breckenridge, CO 80424http://www.carbonatemine.com/

Country Boy Mine 542 French Gulch RoadBreckenridge,CO (970) 453-4405 http://www.countryboymine.com/

Creede Underground Mining MuseumForest Service Road 503, No. 9Willow Creek CanyonCreede, CO 81132(719) 658-0811 http://www.museumtrail.org/CreedeUndergroundMiningMuseum.asp

Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Companyhttp://ccvgoldmining.com/

Edgar Mine Colorado Avenue & 8th Street Idaho Springs, CO 80452(303) 567-2911http://www.mines.edu/EdgarMine

Hard Tack Mine Hanson Creek and Engineer Pass Road Lake City, CO 81235(970) 944-2506 http://hardtack81235.tripod.com/

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Mine Tours

Hidee Gold Mine County Rd. 6Central City/Blackhawk, CO (303) 989-2861http://www.cccmma.com/hidee/hidee.htm

Lebanon Mine and Georgetown Loop Railroad Georgetown (303) 569 2403 http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/about_us/history.shtml

Lomax Placer301 Ski Hill Rd.Breckenridge, CO970-453-9022http://www.breckheritage.com/lomax-placer-mine

Lost Mine1147 E. StreetSalida, CO 81201719-221-6463 or 619-7786http://salida.com/lostmine/

Phoenix Mine Trail Creek Rd.Idaho Springs, CO 80452 (303) 567-0422 http://www.phoenixgoldmine.com./

Matchless Mine 414 W 7th Street, Leadville (719) 486-3900 http://www.matchlessmine.com/

Mayflower MillHwy 110 and Country Road 2Silverton, CO970-387-0294http://www.silvertonhistoricsociety.org/index_files/page0013.htm

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Cripple Creek (719) 689 2466 http://www.goldminetours.com/

Old Hundred Gold Mine 721 County Rd. 4ASilverton, CO 81433 (970) 387-5444 or 1-800-872-3009 http://www.minetour.com/

Smuggler Mine/Compromise Mine110 Smuggler Mt. RoadAspen, CO 81611970-925-2049 or 970-925-3688http://www.allaspen.com/attractions/smuggler_mine.php

Trapper MineSurface Coal MineHighway 13, six miles south of Craig970-824-4401

Washington Mine and Lomax Tour465 Illinois Gulch Rd.Breckenridge, CO970-453-9022

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U.S. Geological Survey maps:

In 1879, the USGS's new library began to accumulate its holding of topographic and many other kinds of maps of the United States and its territories.

Copies of maps from the USGS library can be ordered as photographic enlargements from microfilm or out-of-print maps of the United States, its territories, and outlying areas. Scales of copies are not exact. http://ask.usgs.gov/sils_index.html

To order a photocopy of a map in the Survey's library, contact any Earth Science Information Center or call 1-888-ASK-USGS and describe the kind of map you are seeking as completely as you can.

You can order current USGS maps directly from the Survey or from a local map dealer.

The USGS publishes and updates the following maps:

• More than 55,000 large-scale topographic maps (1:24,000, 1:25,000 and 1:20,000 for Puerto Rico) that together show most local areas of the United States and its territories, with the exception of Alaska's 2,400 maps at 1:63,360. Each map names and shows in fairly rich detail every settled area and other features within the map's boundaries.

• Topographic maps of selected counties at scales of 1:50,000 or 1:100,000.

You can purchase these and other USGS maps from the USGS or a local map dealer.

For each State, the USGS publishes an Index to Topographic and Other Map Coverage and (State) Catalog of Topographic and other Published Maps (all scales). To obtain a free index and catalog for one or more States, contact any Earth Science Information Center or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.

Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress

This Division holds and has direct access to almost 4 million maps, 51,000 atlases, 8,000 reference works, and a large number of related materials in other formats.

The Division draws on these vast resources to provide cartographic and geographic information to Federal and local governments, the scholarly community, and the public. No single catalog includes the Division's total holdings, but card and book catalogs provide access to its collections.

The atlas collection includes representative volumes of all significant publishers of atlases over the past five centuries. The atlases cover individual continents, countries, states, counties, cities and other geographic regions, as well as the world. They range in scope from general to topical.

Of major interest to genealogists are land ownership records kept by Federal, State, county, and local government agencies. A good source for early county maps is Land Ownership Maps: A Checklist of Nineteenth Century United States County Maps in the Library of Congress, 1967.

Old and new large- and small-scale planimetric, topographic, and other kinds of maps are available for every part of the United States and for most other areas of the world.

Among the many county maps and city and town plans are some 700,000 large-scale Sanborn fire insurance maps. Since 1867, the firm has issued and periodically updated detailed plans of 12,000 U.S. cities and towns. Some areas are represented by as many as eight different editions. This collection is an unrivaled cartographic and historic record of America's urban settlement and growth over more than a century.

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The Library of Congress

•The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the national library of the United States. It is the world's largest library and a great resource to scholars and researchers.

•In the Geography and Map Division Reading Room of the Library of Congress, researchers can find the largest and most comprehensive cartographic collection in the world, including more than 4.5 million maps and 60,000 atlases, as well as a large number of cartographic materials in other formats.

•The following publication, which can be viewed online, is useful for conducting historical map research through the Library of Congress:

•Library of Congress Geography and Maps: An Illustrated Guide lcweb.loc.gov/rr/geomap/guide

•The Geography and Map Division will provide a reasonable amount of basic information about materials in its collection and will serve as the library of last resort for research questions when local resources have been exhausted. Requests should be directed to:

•The Geography and Map DivisionLibrary of Congress James Madison Memorial Bldg.101 Independence Ave., S.E. Washington, DC 20540-4650E-mail: maps@loc.govlcweb.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/

U.S. Geological Survey

• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), established in 1879, has a large number of historical topographic maps dating back to 1879. Recognizing the value of the information contained in older maps, the USGS preserves out-of-print maps on microfilm. In this way, the USGS can limit its vast inventory to the most current maps and still provide copies of older maps.

• These out-of-print maps are available for purchase as black-and-white photographic paper reproductions. Although more expensive, the precision of the photographic enlargement procedure results in higher quality prints than electrostatic paper reproductions. However, the sharpness of the reproduction depends on the condition of the original map. Also, because photographic paper is sensitive to light and will eventually fade, such reproductions should not be subjected to bright light for extended periods of time.

• Ordering Instructions: If your are interested in obtaining a reproduction of a particular map from the USGS, you can send a research inquiry to:

ESIC-Reston 507 National Center Reston, VA 20192Telephone: 703-648-6045 Fax: 703-648-5548

Your letter of inquiry should give as much information as possible, including the State, county, and town or township; year of interest or range of years; as well as the type of information you are seeking on the map; for example, streams and rivers, railroad lines, roads, or cultural features. A researcher will then be able to determine if any maps in the USGS historical collections will suit your needs. The reproductions are approximately 24 by 30 inches.

Refer to the USGS Maps Price List (stock number 76-0001) for the most recent prices.

Additional Information

For information on these and other USGS products and services, call 1-888-ASK-USGS, or visit the general interest publications Web site on mapping, geography, and related topics at erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/pubslists/.

For additional information, visit the ask.usgs.gov Web site or the USGS home page at www.usgs.gov.

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Researching Historical Maps

• Because different types of historical maps are stored in different collections, they can be difficult to research. However, with a little perseverance, you can find a map that will suit your needs. There are many sources to investigate, ranging from local libraries and historical societies, to State and Federal Government agencies.

• The best place to begin research is at a local public or college library. As a first step, you may want to consider locating some of the following books, all of which are good sources of information for the map hunter:

• Map Collections in the United States and Canada: A Directory (compiled by David K. Carrington and Richard W. Stephenson)

• Antique Map Reproductions: A Directory of Publishers & Distributors of Antique Map, Atlas & Globe Facsimiles & Reproductions (edited by Gregory C. McIntosh)

• Guide to U.S. Map Resources (edited by David A. Cobb)

• Mill sites can indicate an active mining past, but be leary as many a mine was abandoned soon after production started. They may have been created only for speculation.

The National Archives

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the official repository of the permanently valuable records made or accumulated by the U.S. Government, is responsible for preserving those records and making them available to the public, government officials, and scholars. Among the records in the Cartographic and Architectural Branch of the NARA, are more than 2 million maps produced by the Federal Government since 1774.

• NARA's holdings relate primarily to official functions of the Federal Government, and records are arranged by the Federal offices that created or accumulated them. Maps that predate the Federal Government and 19th-century maps of areas outside the United States are rare among the Cartographic and Architectural Branch holdings.

• The following publications, which can be viewed online, may prove useful in conducting historical map research through NARA:

General Information Leaflet No. 26Cartographic and Architectural Recordswww.archives.gov/publications/general-info-leaflets/26.html

Special List No. 29List of Selected Maps of States and Territorieswww.archives.gov/publications/finding-aids/maps/

To request a search of the maps and charts,researchers need to provide NARA with a subject, geographic area, and time period. Requests should be addressed to:

Cartographic and Architectural BranchNational Archives8601 Adelphi RoadCollege Park, MD 20740-6001Telephone: 301-713-7040

Camp study. Hayden, Stevenson, Holman, Jones, Gardner, Whitney, and Holmes. The party that made the first ascent of the Holy Cross Mountain. These men were together only on 1873 expedition. 1873. ID. Jackson, W.H.  490jwh00490 USGS

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The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) safeguards records on which the people of a democracy depend for the continuity, accountability, and credibility of their national institutions. NARA is the official repository of the permanently valuable records made or accumulated by the U.S. Government and is responsible for preserving those records and making them available to the general public, government officials, and scholars. NARA enables people to inspect for themselves the record of what government has done. It enables officials and agencies to review their actions and helps citizens hold them accountable. NARA ensures continuing access to essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience.

Among the records in the Cartographic and Architectural Section (NWCSC) are over 15 million maps, charts, aerial photographs, architectural drawings, patents, and ships plans, constituting one of the world's largest accumulations of such documents. These holdings are arranged in 190 record groups, which reflect the origins of the records in specific federal departments and agencies. Some of the more significant holdings, grouped under the general functions or subject areas associated with their creation, are described below. In appropriate contexts, record group numbers have been added in parentheses to facilitate reference to the specific NARA holdings under discussion.

Mapping

Exploration and Scientific Surveys

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the earliest, and in many ways the most significant, of the great government-sponsored expeditions. There were many other expeditions, however, and each made its contribution to filling in the map of the West or providing information about overseas areas considered vital to the interests of the United States. The files of the Office of the Chief of Engineers in Record Group (RG) 77 and the Archives File of the Hydrographic Office (RG 37) contain the most important collections of Federal explorers' maps, many of which made major contributions to geographic knowledge.

Prominent among Federal explorers who continued the work of Lewis and Clark were Zebulon M. Pike, Stephen H. Long, Joseph N. Nicollet, B.L.E. Bonneville, Charles Wilkes, John Rodgers, John C. Fremont, and Gouverneur K. Warren. During the two decades before the Civil War, Fremont and Warren, members of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, led expeditions that resulted in mapping much of the western part of the United States. After the Civil War, increasingly complex surveying and mapping projects were carried out by field parties under the supervision of Ferdinand V. Hayden, Clarence King, George M. Wheeler, and John Wesley Powell. The end of the era of preliminary exploration of the United States was symbolized by the establishment in 1879 of the U.S. Geological Survey as the government's central mapping agency.

Public Land Surveys and Settlement

During the period 1785-87, the Seven Ranges of Ohio became the first tract of public land surveyed under the new rectangular land survey system. This system, which was institutionalized in 1812 by the establishment of the General Land Office, has been of immense importance in shaping the cultural landscape of the public domain lands that lie outside of the Thirteen Original States, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. The surveys produced a large body of township plats and field notes, records that have great geographical, historical, and legal value. Presently there are township plats and field notes for Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and parts of several other States. Other records of the General Land Office and its successor, the Bureau of Land Management (RG 49), include general state maps; plats of private land claims, mineral claims, and townsites and maps showing rights-of-way for transportation and communication lines.

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Maps showing information about the Indians of the United States can be found among the records of many agencies, but the largest concentration is the central map file of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (RG 75). This body of over 16,000 maps, covering the period 1800-1939, includes items pertaining to Indian treaties, removal policy, reservations, settlements, and land use. Because of the vast extent of the Indian lands and the great variety of maps compiled or used by the Bureau, this file also contains much incidental information about other aspects of the physical, cultural, and historical geography of the United States.

Hydrography and Navigation

Among the cartographic records are thousands of nautical charts of the U.S. coastline published by the former Coast and Geodetic Survey (RG 23) (now part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and charts of foreign waters published by the former Hydrographic Office (superseded by the Naval Oceanographic Office and the Defense Mapping Agency). These published nautical chart series span the period from the 1840s to the present. The Hydrographic Office records (RG 37) include original nineteenth-century manuscript survey sheets of the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean.

Topography and Natural Resources

A large body of cartographic records pertains to the topography of the United States and the conservation and development of its natural resources. One of the most frequently used series dates from the establishment of the U.S. Geological Survey in 1879 and consists of that agency's topographic quadrangle maps covering virtually the entire country (RG 57). Other maps from the U.S. Geological Survey relate to the classification of public lands and to investigations of geological, mineral, and water resources. Several thousand county and regional soil classification and soil erosion maps have been produced since 1900 by the Soil Conservation Service and its predecessors (RG 114). Since its inception in 1881, the Forest Service has produced numerous maps relating to national forests and timber and range management (RG 95). The National Park Service (RG 79) created maps of all the national parks and monuments, including many in the vicinity of the District of Columbia. Other map files relating to natural resources are among the records of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (RG 70), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (RG 22), the Bureau of Reclamation (RG 115), the Bureau of Agricultural Economics (RG 83), and the National Resources Planning Board (RG 187).

Reference Services

Maps and Plans

It is important to remember that NARA's holdings relate primarily to official functions of the federal government and that records are arranged by the federal offices that created or accumulated them. Maps that predate the federal government and nineteenth-century maps of areas outside the United States are rare among the Cartographic and Architectural Section (NWCSC) holdings.

In order to request a search of the maps and charts, researchers need to provide NWCSC with a subject, geographic area, and time period. In order to request a search of the architectural or engineering drawings, one must provide the Section with the name of the structure or equipment as well as its location and time period of use. Please bear in mind that the Section's architectural and engineering drawings relate almost exclusively to structures and equipment built by or for the federal government.

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Coordinateshttp://www.stonybrook.edu/libmap/coordinates.htm

COORDINATES is an online serial publication. Contributions are published irregularly in the order received. They seek articles on a wide range of subjects relating to maps and GIS. Their target audience is primarily users and curators of maps. Appropriate subjects for articles include map and GIS librarianship, history of cartography, map cataloging and bibliography, map reading and interpretation, new developments in online mapping, and other subjects of interest to a broad spectrum of cartographically literate readers.

Articles are divided into two groups. "Series A" consists of original, peer-reviewed articles. "Series B" includes essays and other shorter pieces, technical notes, previously published articles, and other materials of interest to our audience.

They aim to take full advantage of the capabilities on the Internet. This is an "open access" publication, which is freely available to anyone who has access to the World Wide Web.

This publication is produced by the Map and Geography Round Table (MAGERT) of the American Library Association. However, they encourage submissions from all interested people.

ACME Mapper 2.0http://mapper.acme.com/about.html

This is a high-precision general purpose mapping application, based on Google Maps with a bunch of things added on.

Exploring Florida Mapshttp://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/

The Exploring Florida Maps collection contains approximately 6,000 historic and contemporary Florida maps that support all subject areas in the K-12 classroom. A friendly license allows teachers and students to use up to 25 maps in non-commercial school projects without further permission. All maps are available as GIF or JPEG files for screen display as well as in PDF for printing. Use the GIF or JPEG maps for classroom presentations and student websites. Use the PDF maps for displays, bulletin boards, and printed school reports. Many of the maps include interactive jigsaw puzzles and special KMZ files, which allow you to place the historic map as an overlay on Google Earth.

Harvard Geospatial Libraryhttp://dixon.hul.harvard.edu:8080/HGL/hgl.jsp

The Harvard Geospatial Library offers search tools for finding geographic data, GIS data for download, and on-line geographic data exploration tools.

National Geographic Map Machinehttp://maps.nationalgeographic.com/map-machine

This site facilitates full color mapping of world to street level geography. Users can also view and print historical and atlas maps, flags, facts, and even portions of Mars.

US Census Bureau American Fact Finderhttp://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en

Here users can produce basic thematic maps using 2000 US Census data. Users can also download the tabular information or map image.

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Map of the Route to Kansas Gold MinesJohn J. Pratt & Hunt, 1859

Map of the Route to Kansas Gold MinesJohn J. Pratt & Hunt, 1859

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US Government Mapping Sites

Bureau of the Census - http://www.census.gov/Center for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics - http://www.cdc.gov/Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention & Control Injury MapsDepartment of Agriculture Geospatial Data Gateway - http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/EROS Data Center - http://eros.usgs.gov/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - http://www.fema.gov/National Institute of Justice Mapping & Analysis for Public Safety (formerly the Crime Mapping Research Center) - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps/National Geodetic Survey - http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/National Geophysical Data Center - http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/topo/National Geophysical Data Center-Magnetic Delincation http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/declination.shtmlNational Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) - https://www1.nga.mil/Pages/Default.aspxNational Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - http://www.noaa.gov/National Park Service GIS - http://www.nps.gov/gis/NRCS Soil Survey - http://soils.usda.gov/US Fish & Wildlife Service - http://www.fws.gov/USGS Library - http://ask.usgs.gov/sils_index.htmlUSGS Natural Science Information - http://ask.usgs.gov/sils_index.html

Digital Maps and Geospatial Data

Advantages• Can be dynamic• Can be up-to-date• Can be used by many patrons at a time• Different storage issues• Can be manipulated for analysis• Cheap and faster to produce• Accurate Directions

# Digital maps are equipped with real-time satellite data (global positioning system, or GPS), so you are receiving the most accurate and current information.Can be tailored to specific requirementsThe digital data can be used in GIS applications

Disadvantages• Difficult to find quickly• Special equipment needed – high-speed internet, better computer, larger monitor, unable to access

in the field• Questionable authority?• Cannot view entire map on screen at once• Difficult to print out other than 8.5 x 11

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

An aerial photograph is any photograph taken from an airborne vehicle (aircraft, drones, balloons, satellites, and so forth). The aerial photograph shows a real image of the ground surface and gives you an interpretation of geology but it is a distorted image.

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Aerial Photograph Comparison with Maps

A topographic map may be obsolete because it was compiled many years ago. A recent aerial photograph shows any changes that have taken place since the map was made. For this reason, maps and aerial photographs complement each other. More information can be gained by using the two together than by using them alone. You need to remember that aerial photographs are not maps.

Advantages. An aerial photograph has the following advantages over a map:

• It provides a current pictorial view of the ground that no map can equal.• It is more readily obtained. The photograph may be in the hands of the user within a few hours

after it is taken; a map may take months to prepare.• It may be made for places that are inaccessible • It shows features that do not appear on maps.• It can provide a day-to-day comparison of selected areas• It provides a permanent and objective record of the day-to-day changes with the area.• Topographic maps are not spatially distorted

Disadvantages. The aerial photograph has the following disadvantages as compared to a map:

• Ground features are difficult to identify or interpret without symbols and are often obscured by other ground detail as, for example, buildings in wooded areas.

• Position location and scale are only approximate.• Detailed variations in the terrain features are not readily apparent without overlapping photography

and a stereoscopic viewing instrument.• Because of a lack of contrasting colors and tone, a photograph is difficult to use in poor light.• It lacks marginal data.• It requires more training to interpret than a map.• They have a high degree of distortion, thus measurements are not accurate

Goggle Earth Maps

• Easy, fast• Very high resolution imagery• Some locations—only lower • resolution OR blurred out (Pentagon)• 3D buildings for many locations• Date of imagery not available• Sky View: stars, constellations, galaxies, planets and the Earth's moon• Plus—higher resolution printing, GPS device support• Normal view, satellite image view and terrain view are available• When zooming may have to constantly move the map

MapsAdvantages

• Show true distance, true direction, true area, and true shape but not all at once• As an advantage, a series of maps over a period of time can be used to show the changes in land use• Lower overhead costs• Technology changes infrequent• Don’t require technology to use

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H Disadvantages• The scale of a map can limit the amount of information that can be displayed• In order to truly represent some features such as roads they must be distorted in order to be seen• Symbols are frequently used, if you do not have a basic knowledge of the symbols or a readily available

legend you may not be capable of finding information on the map in a short period of time• They can be stylized, generalized or abstract, requiring some level of interpretation• The date of publication is the latest date of accuracy making them out of date• Difficult to combine multiple map sheet and overlays restricted• Good quality paper difficult to find and paper may disintegrate. They can be costly to produce which may

limit the amount of information that is displayed• Limited area can be displayed so multiple maps are needed• Once printed the information can not be changed

GIS Maps Geographic Information System

Advantages• Instantly available• Inexpensive• Can pan to observe different perspectives, can zoom and change the scale• Can search the entire GIS• Can access additional information about a location or site• Can use measurements at any relative scale without restriction• Unlike maps which have a limited use, they have a variety of functions• Can be tailored to the users needs at minimal cost• Ability to be integrated into other computer systems• Can create a 3-dimensional image of geographic features• Can view series of layers which can be combined (map overlay)• Easy to update, change, and merge with other maps• Multiple user simultaneously• When copying no loss in generations

Disadvantages• Technology can frequently change• Need to convert map data to digital• Standards might vary in the input sources• There is no universal standard for the data• If you have a slow internet connection it make take some time to load• The map can be small depending upon your monitor size• The philosophies of electronic compete against old methodology• Lack of privacy - more open to copyright infringement• Compatibility • User must be tech knowledgeable and take time to understand the technology

And last but not least, how do you fold a map? I can remember the road trips we took when I was little. It seemed that Dad only asked for directions when the map was put away in the glove box. Unfolding it covered the window and refolding it well, that’s another story. It was usually attempted in a car in the desert with the windows rolled down and three tired, hot and hungry kids, one dog and one cat, in the back. Thank goodness it was not a map that the scale was one mile equals one mile!The advantage was that when you gave up you could get another free one at the gas station. Yes, GPS’s are great but when you bend over to pan for gold and it falls in the creek you can’t go to the gas station and pick-up another one for free!