Published in 2002 using survey data from 1998, the USGS map titled “Sunapee Lake North” presents a finely measured portrait of west-central New Hampshire at the close of the twentieth century. Centered on the village and lakeside community of Sunapee, it captures a landscape where settlement, recreation, forest, and water are closely interwoven. Lake Sunapee dominates the geography, its northern shores and coves forming the natural focus of the sheet, while nearby Little Lake Sunapee, Perkins Pond, and Otter Pond add to the region’s distinctive water-rich character. As a 1:24,000 topographical map, it offers a remarkably intimate view of roads, trails, elevations, shorelines, and developed areas, making it both a scientific document and a historical snapshot.

The U.S. Geological Survey, founded in 1879, became the nation’s preeminent authority for mapping terrain, water, minerals, and landforms with consistent scientific rigor. Its quadrangle maps are among the most trusted geographic records of the American landscape, used by planners, hikers, engineers, conservationists, and historians alike. In “Sunapee Lake North,” the USGS style is immediately recognizable: precise contouring, careful hydrographic detail, standardized symbols, and a clear hierarchy of roads, boundaries, and settlements. The map reflects the agency’s long-standing mission to make the physical country legible, translating hills, valleys, lakes, and human infrastructure into a disciplined visual language. It is cartography designed not for ornament alone, but for dependable understanding of place.

The Sunapee region shown here is defined by water and upland terrain. Lake Sunapee, one of New Hampshire’s celebrated inland lakes, has long drawn summer residents, boaters, anglers, and visitors seeking mountain-lake scenery. The map traces its northern reaches and adjacent communities, including Sunapee, Newbury, and Springfield, while also marking smaller ponds and connected drainage features such as the Sugar River system. Local roads thread between wooded ridges, village centers, shoreline development, and open land, revealing how movement through the region is shaped by the underlying topography. The presence of ponds, streams, and wetlands gives the map a layered environmental richness, showing not only where people have settled, but where water has directed settlement patterns.

The topographic character of the map is especially compelling, with contour lines articulating the hilly terrain typical of this part of New Hampshire. Elevation changes appear in closely spaced curves around ridges and summits, then soften near valleys, ponds, and lake margins. These lines give form to a landscape that might otherwise seem gentle from the road but is revealed here as a complex series of rises, basins, and wooded slopes. The distinction between developed areas and natural landscapes is clearly rendered, allowing the viewer to perceive villages, road corridors, and lakeside neighborhoods in relation to forests and high ground. The result is a cartographic image that conveys both habitation and ruggedness.

As a record based on late-1990s survey information, “Sunapee Lake North” carries historical value beyond its practical geographic content. It preserves the configuration of roads, trails, communities, and land use at a moment when many New England lake regions were balancing long-established village life with expanding recreation, second-home development, and conservation priorities. Comparing this map with earlier or later editions can reveal changes in shoreline occupation, transportation networks, and the spread of residential development around scenic waters. At the same time, the enduring features—Lake Sunapee, wooded hills, ponds, streams, and ridgelines—anchor the map in a deeper natural continuity. It is a precise and evocative record of a beloved New Hampshire landscape.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Sunapee
• Springfield
• Newbury
• Lake Sunapee
• Little Lake Sunapee
• Perkins Pond
• Otter Pond
• Baker River
• Sugar River
• Various roads and trails, including interstates and local roadways
• Parks and natural reserves in the vicinity

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey as a historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Sunapee, New Hampshire and the surrounding area.
• Created using survey data from 1998 and published with a 2002 imprint.
• The USGS is a federal agency known for providing reliable geographic information and scientific data for mapping, resource management, conservation, and planning.
• The map uses contour lines to show elevation changes and the area’s hilly New Hampshire terrain.
• Developed areas are clearly distinguished from natural landscapes.
• The map may help show changes in land use and development since the late 1990s.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.