Cover sheet vicinity maps

[sbw]

I'm hoping someone has a good source for maps that can be legally used for vicinity maps on plan cover sheets. I've noticed some companies copy and paste in on-line maps but I'm under the impression that's not ok for commercial use.

Thanks.

 

[civilperson]

Use the USGS quad maps at whatever zoom or reduction you wish.

 

[TDAA]

We use mapquest as a template, sketch our own, and turn off the mapquest layer.

 

[sbw]

TDAA, that's what I currently do as well. I find that by the time I fiddle around with mapquest scale/detail, import the file, trace over it, and add text that I've got a couple hours invested. Call me lazy if you like, but I feel like there should be more of a copy paste solution.

civilperson, thanks for the suggestion. I've tried this with mixed results. Often times I feel like the contours clutter what should be a clear and simple map.

 

[jdonville]

sbw,

Some states have free downloadable vector maps.

For example, Ohio has published vectorized maps for all counties that are georeferenced to State Plane coordinates. You can then turn layers off and add your own information on top, if you wish.

Jeff

 

[PatBethea]

We usually use an USGS Topographic map like Civilperson suggested. On the last project my civil engineer sent out, however, I noticed that she used something different - she said she was able to download a map from our state's DOT. You might check with your state, as suggested by others, to see what is available.

 

[sbw]

Excellent suggestions. I did a quick search on California's website and came across this resource:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tsip/hseb/crs_maps/

Thank you all for the feedback.

 

[emmgjld]

In Colorado, Many of the counties have placed very good mapping on their web sites. Using with air photo(s) layers.

 

[TDAA]

sbw,

We do ours NTS, and we only really show the route in from a major street, or at least show enough streets to get the correct picture. We do not bother to show more detail than what is needed to see where the site is in the world.

 

[msquared48]

Anyone have a link for free downloadable topographic maps in Washington State?

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[JasonG]

http://www.topozone.com

has topos for the all of the US

 

[jdonville]

msquared48,

Check out the WA DNR (or equivalent) web site.

There are usually links to free GIS resources posted. More and more jurisdictions have some sort of georeferenced raster aerial and/or quad maps available. Terraserver topo maps can be saved and a world file (UTM coordinates) got for each view.

Vector data may be harder to come by, or may need to be translated from ARC/INFO shapefiles.

Jeff

 

[BelspringKen]

Some colleges and universities have mapping you can download.. usually ones with geology or similar programs