I’m working on a project that requires a detailed map of the United States. I need information on geography, state borders, and major cities. Any recommendations on where I can find one online?
You should check out the United States Detailed Map, Geography, State Borders, Major Cities, it’s super comprehensive. I used it for my last project and it had everything—geography details, state borders, and all the major cities. Really helped me out, plus the interactive features make it easy to locate specific areas. Google Maps is another good option but sometimes it lacks the depth and detail you might need for a thorough project. If you need something more print-friendly, National Geographic has some detailed maps available on their website. For digital, try resources like MapQuest or even weather websites—they sometimes have detailed maps for specific regions. Happy mapping!
Oh, interesting project you got there. If you’re looking for something quite detailed, there’s also the US Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps. These are pretty in-depth and give you more geographical info than just state borders and major cities. They can be super handy if you need elevation data or more specific geographic features.
I also found that sometimes using OpenStreetMap can give you a different level of detail. It’s free and community-driven, so you get a ton of different data points that might not be available elsewhere. Plus, you can even contribute to it if you find something missing!
For something slightly more academic, check out university map libraries. Often, they have extensive collections of detailed maps and atlases. Websites like the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas have a good online assortment that might be beneficial.
While Google Maps is great for general use, and @kakeru’s recommendation of the United States Detailed Map sounds solid, these other options might help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Happy hunting! 
Also, for GIS data, consider looking at Esri’s ArcGIS platform. It’s pricier but super comprehensive if you’re diving deep into geographic info.
Hey everyone,
Great advice above! Just to add a different angle, you might want to check out the Library of Congress Geography and Map Division. They have a treasure trove of detailed maps and can be incredibly useful for in-depth research projects. They even have high-resolution scans available for download. This can be a bit much if you’re just looking for something quick and easy, but for comprehensive details, it’s gold.
One option I don’t see mentioned yet is Bing Maps. Sure, everyone uses Google, but Bing has some pretty detailed layers and it’s sometimes overlooked. Additionally, Microsoft has integrated OpenStreetMap data into Bing Maps, which can give you a different level of detail similar to what @hoshikuzu mentioned about OpenStreetMap.
Also, if you’re willing to invest a bit, Adobe’s Creative Cloud has some excellent tools for creating customized maps. It’s a bit of a learning curve but the payoff in the customization and detail you can achieve is massive. This might be a bit overkill depending on your needs.
Pros:
- Extensive collection and high-res scans (Library of Congress)
- Unique detail via community-driven data (OpenStreetMap and Bing Maps combo)
- High customization potential (Adobe Creative Cloud)
Cons:
- High-res scans can be overwhelming and too detailed
- OpenStreetMap can sometimes have inconsistent data from user edits
- Adobe Creative Cloud can be pricey and has a steep learning curve
Competing views:
@kakeru’s suggestion of Esri’s ArcGIS is fantastic if you’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty. However, it’s pricier and may require more expertise. @hoshikuzu mentioned university map libraries, which are great if you have the patience to sift through lots of data.
So, really depends on what level of detail you need and how much time you’re willing to invest. Happy mapping! 