New Orleans, Plaquemines Parish, Slidell Topographic Maps Available from Ball State University Libraries

Ball State University Libraries’ USGS Topographic Maps Show Locations of New Orleans, Plaquemines Parish, Slidell Levees


The Ball State University Libraries’ GIS Research and Map Collection (GRMC) maintains a collection of the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map quadrants covering the United States. These maps provide details of physical and manmade features and reveal elevation levels.

The map of New Orleans (click to enlarge) includes the location of the French Quarter, Vieux Carre, the Super Dome, and the Convention Center. Contour lines reveal the elevation levels—ranging from 14 to 21 feet on the north bank of the river to 0 to 5 feet in the southern part of the city.

The Belle Chasse topographic map shows the location of Braithwaite on the southern bank of the Mississippi River. The map shows the levee along the river that was breached in Plaquemines Parish. The blue symbols below the levee near the water identify a marsh area.

The topographic map of Slidell reveals the town’s location next to Lake Pontchartrain. The levee is located east of the marsh area, and a pumping station is next to the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. This levee breach is allowing water to flood the town of Slidell, located north of this map.

The GRMC maintains a collection of historic and modern USGS topographic quadrant maps that may be used to research development and environmental changes over time. These maps circulate for two weeks or longer and may be used for class projects.

For more information, please contact the GRMC at 765-285-1097.