2. Search
“geologic map” (location name)
Example Searches
"geologic map" geyser basin
“geologic map” Yellowstone National Park
"geologic map" "park county" wyoming
"geologic map" western wyoming
3. Geologic Map Names
Geologic maps names are NOT the same as quadrangle names
Places to get keywords for your map search
– Roadmaps
– Geographical Names
Information System (GNIS)
http://geonames.usgs.gov
– Travel guides
– State Geological Survey
websites
– Encyclopedias
– Wikipedia (use this only to
find words to search with)
– Geological features (i.e.
valleys, rivers, watersheds,
mountains, mountain
ranges, etc.)
– Counties
– Quadrangles
– Regions
4. Suggested Websites
If you can’t find your map in the Search It catalog, there are several different online sites
you can try searching.
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources
• Geologic maps of Washington State
• Geologic Maps of the Palouse Basin region
• Bibliography of the Geology and Mineral Resources of Washington: This is a
searchable catalog of publications on the geology and mineral resources of
Washington State.
• Hints: Use this database to find out that a map exists. Then find the map in
the library catalog or borrow the map through interlibrary loan. Sometimes
a link to the online version of the map is in the bibliography.
5. Suggested Websites Continued
• Geologic maps of the 50 United States -- is a good starting place. You may need to
follow links from here to find enough information to interpret the map (e.g. a key or
explanation of rock units).
• USGS National Geologic Map Database -- Under GEOLOGY choose bedrock and surficial;
under Scale Range, do 1:24,000 to 1:100,000. Some maps are online; for paper maps,
use Search It.
•
•
•
•
•
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Idaho Geological Survey
Digital Atlas of Idaho
Montana’s State Geologic Mapping Program
California
• California Geological Survey
• The California Geotour
• California Departmen of Conservation
• Geologic Atals of California
• Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
• Utah Geological Survey
6. Additional Resources
• Geology department websites of each state
• Geologist/geological organization websites
• Owen Library 3rd Floor Map Room
(See presentation: “How to Find a Geologic Map”)
7. Remember
1. There must be a
legend explaining
the rock types on
the map.
2. Cite your map
8. Didn’t find your map? Need Help?
Make an appointment
with a librarian
Come to an open
help session
OR
Betty Galbraith
bettyg@wsu.edu
Chelsea Leachman
chelsea.leachman@wsu.edu
Eileen Brady
brady@wsu.edu
