Topographic maps are used to convey three-dimensional land elevations on a two-dimensional surface. They are often used for engineering, energy exploration, natural resource conservation, cultural resource management, environmental management, public works design, commercial and residential planning, and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. The University of Tennessee Libraries began digitizing its collection of out-of-print 7.5 minute topographic maps making them more easily accessible for research, teaching and general use. Users can browse historic topographic maps of 10 counties (Knox, Anderson, Union, Grainger, Jefferson, Cocke, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and Roane) in TN. Since USGS began scanning all available historic topographic maps (all scales), the University of Tennessee Libraries decided to cease further scanning of its out-of-print topographic map collection to avoid duplication of effort.