About Then & Now Maps

I make these prints with software I wrote: it finds the USGS historical topographic map sheets for a place, aligns each one to the same ground using its survey coordinates, adds a recent USDA NAIP aerial photo, and lays them out as a print. I check every print by eye. Code and AI-assisted tools are part of the process; the maps and photos themselves are real government records, not generated images.

Sources

USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection and USDA National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial photos. Both are public domain U.S. government works. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USGS, the USDA or any university.

Old-map character

Faded colors, survey marks and small printing flaws come from the original sheets. Where a town spans two map sheets, they are joined along their printed edges.

Refunds and questions

If a file won't download or isn't what you expected, ask within 30 days for a full refund: the email address on your Stripe receipt (reply to it).