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Geology 103
Hometown Geology Library Guide


Getting Started


The hometown geology assignment is to research and write about the geologic setting of your hometown or some other location. Your primary resources for this assignment will be at least one topographic map and one geologic map of your area.


Prior to your lab meeting in the Map Collection, you need to:

  1. Choose the location you want to study

  2. Identify a topographic map for your location

  3. Identify a geologic map for your location

  4. Fill out the Library Guide Worksheet with your search results

Scroll down to complete these steps. Bring your completed Library Guide Worksheet with you to your lab session. The Map Collection staff then will help you locate the maps you need.


See also: Finding international maps


Resources for supplemental information on geologic hazards and mineral resources may also be available in the Map Collection.

Step 1: Finding a U.S. Topographic Map


If you are looking for a topographic map of an international location, go to Finding international maps.


U.S. Topographic maps in the Map Collection are organized first by state and then by map sheet title. To find the title of the topographic map covering your area:

  1. Click on the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) link below. A new browser window will open.
    http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic

  2. Enter the name of your town or feature in the Feature Name box on the GNIS query form.

  3. Use the pull-down menu to identify the name of the state. You do not need to fill in all of the categories.

  4. Scroll down and click Send Query to perform the search.

  5. Look for the place name that best matches your search. The field labeled "Map" lists which topographic map(s) shows the town or feature you've chosen to study. Note that larger cities or features may be covered by more than one map. The title of the map is often taken from the most prominent town or feature on the map, for instance the city of Tempe is on the "Tempe" map.

  6. Write the name of the county you live in and the name(s) of the USGS 7.5' map(s) you identified in your search on the first page of your worksheet.

  7. Use the next section to identify a geologic map of your area.


Step 2: Finding a Geologic Map


All geologic maps in the Map Collection are organized by call number. To find a geologic map of your area in the Map Collection:

  1. Click on the Map Index link below. A new browser window will open. Select the ASU Map Index link at the top of the page to access the database.
    http://www.asu.edu/lib/resources/db/mapindex.htm

  2. In the Term(s) box, type in the name of your hometown or feature, your state and the word "geology".

    Examples:
    Tempe Arizona geology
    Long Beach California geology


  3. The Field box should be set on All.

  4. Scroll down and click Submit Query.

    5. If your search does not return any results or too many results, try searching the name of the topographic map you identified earlier and "geology". You also can search the county name and "geology".



    Examples:
    Sunnyslope Arizona geology
    Maricopa County Arizona geology
    Cook County Illinois geology


    If you still can not find a geologic map of your specific area, search for a state geologic map.


    Example:
    Colorado geology


  5. Try to find at least one geologic map of your area. If your search returns more than one map, select one or two maps that most closely cover your area. Write the title of the map, it's call number and location on your library worksheet. (Be sure to write down the entire call number.)

What if I did not find maps covering my area?


Check with the Map Collection staff; they may know of resources within the Collection or within the library that you can use. In some cases, a geologic map might also be found in a book, article or government publication on the geology of the area. Books and government publications can be located using the ASU Libraries' Online Catalog. Journal articles can be located using a specialized index.


Although the Collection has a wide variety of topographic and geologic maps, maps may not be available for your specific area. The Map Collection staff can help you find a nearby or alternative site for which there are maps.