Resources offering cartographic products in formats suitable for local printing were once a function of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) through the now-defunct National Atlas. These resources provided accessible, geographically-focused visualizations for a variety of applications, from educational purposes to basic planning needs. For example, users could readily acquire and print maps showing population distribution, major river systems, or agricultural land use.
The availability of easily reproducible mapping products served to democratize access to geographic information. This facilitated a better understanding of spatial relationships, contributing to informed decision-making in diverse sectors. Historically, such resources played a key role in geographic literacy and citizen engagement with government data.
While the original platform is no longer active, similar data and mapping functionalities are now often available through other government agencies and non-governmental organizations that provide interactive mapping tools, downloadable geospatial data, and cartographic products for a wide range of applications. These resources have evolved to leverage modern technology and data availability.