Since 1880 the USA has been interested in knowing it's land better, hence, the USGS. (click here)
Today USGS is more than simple topographical maps, it defines the land types and names and also provides insight to the minerals in a region.
To the left is a USGS record of land and it's definition. The studies of USA land were always intense laced with pride to know and love this country. It wasn't about money and making Wall Street happy. Knowing the country is also a national security priority for a national defense should that be necessary within the sovereign USA.
