Empire Resources
Maps, records & references
Public tools we find useful for researching property, maps and survey history in Massachusetts and beyond.
USGS National Geologic Map Database (opens in a new tab)
The national archive of geologic maps and related data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmdb/ngmdb_home.htmlUSGS topoView (opens in a new tab)
Browse and download current and historical USGS topographic maps, back to the 1880s.
ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewerMassMapper (MassGIS) (opens in a new tab)
The Commonwealth's online map viewer for parcels, aerial imagery, wetlands and other statewide GIS layers.
maps.massgis.digital.mass.gov/MassMapper/MassMapper.htmlMassachusetts Land Records (opens in a new tab)
Search recorded deeds, plans and other documents at Massachusetts registries of deeds.
www.masslandrecords.comMassDOT Highway Layout Plans (opens in a new tab)
State highway layout and easement plans, with interactive maps of plans, town corners and geodetic control.
www.mass.gov/highway-layout-plansMassachusetts General Laws (opens in a new tab)
The official text of the Massachusetts General Laws from the Legislature.
malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLawsBoston Historic Public Works Records (opens in a new tab)
Historic plans and records from the City of Boston Public Works Department.
www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/historic-public-works-recordsNational Wetlands Inventory (USFWS) (opens in a new tab)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wetland maps and data for the whole country.
www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventoryRIGIS 2011 Statewide LiDAR (opens in a new tab)
Rhode Island's 2011 statewide LiDAR elevation data from the RI Geographic Information System.
www.rigis.org/pages/2011-statewide-lidarSkyVector Aeronautical Charts (opens in a new tab)
Free online aeronautical charts, useful for airspace checks before drone flights.
skyvector.comRIDEM Historic OWTS Search (opens in a new tab)
Search Rhode Island DEM records for onsite wastewater (septic) systems.
www.ri.gov/dem/owts
These are official public sites run by their own agencies; Empire Mapping USA is not affiliated with them.