Services

Current and Historical USGS Printed Maps

TNRIS was the first Earth Science Information Center (ESIC) designated by the U.S. Geological Survey and, as such, serves as the primary source for USGS topographic maps covering Texas. This includes current and historical maps. USGS topographic maps highlight physical (natural) as well as cultural (man-made) surface features.

USGS Topographic Maps

The most detailed map is the 1:24,000 scale, 7.5 minute USGS topographic map. The sheet size is approximately 22 x 27 inches.

Additional USGS printed maps include:

• 1:100,000 scale, 30-by-60 minute series
• 1:250,000 scale, 1-by-2 degree series
• 1:500,000 scale
• 1:1,000,000 scale

Historical Maps

A limited collection of historic USGS topographic maps dating back to the late 1800s are available for reproduction.

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Maps

The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps are now available free through our download page.

National Floodplain Maps

A collection of National Floodplain Maps are available for reproduction.

For additional information for these or any other products and services, please contact us.

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What is LiDAR?

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a technology that utilizes lasers to determine the distance to an object or surface. LIDAR can also be used for creating three dimensional topographical maps and surveys of geographical regions.

LIDAR is very similar to radar, but it incorporates laser pulses rather than radio waves. Both systems determine distance by measuring the time delay between transmission and reflection of a pulse.

LiDAR Elevation for Texas

An increasing demand for elevation data has prompted the use of LiDAR as a method to acquire a newer and more accurate elevation data set for Texas. In 2006, Texas began Airborne LiDAR projects with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Additional uses for LiDAR

LiDAR is used in a variety of industries, including:

• Atmospheric physics
• Geology
• Forestry
• Oceanography
• Law enforcement

To order LiDAR products and services, please contact us.

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Imagery

Digital Aerial Imagery

TNRIS has a substantial library of digital aerial imagery from the Texas Orthoimagery Program (TOP) and National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP). The imagery dates range from 1996 - present and are available free of charge from our data download section.

Satellite Imagery

Statewide Landsat 5 and 7 satellite image GeoTIFFs are available for direct download free of charge from the USGS Global Visualization Viewer.  Landsat 5 and 7 color balanced GeoJPEGs are available through the UT-Austin Center for Space Research Landsat Locater. 

Statewide MODIS and ASTER satellite imagery are available in near real-time from the UT-Austin Center for Space Research Data Query.

Historical Aerial Photography Archive

TNRIS maintains the most extensive archive of historical aerial photography covering the entire state of Texas. The collection of black and white, natural color, and color infrared prints represents approximately one million photographs going back to the 1920’s.

The photographs originate from three main sources: Texas Department of Transportation, Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (now known as the US Department of Agriculture), and the US Geological Survey. Scales of the photography range from 1:62,500 to 1:15,840, the most common scale being 1:24,000.

Historical Photographic Searches

TNRIS staff can assist the public with searches for historical aerial photography. The photographs can be copied at scales as large as 1:6,000 (one inch = 500 feet) on a high-quality laser copier.

For additional information on these services, please contact us.

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