Are you looking for detailed maps of an area with elevation data? Working on an architecture or urban planning project and need elevation data on a map for a specific location or area in a city? Do you wish Sanborn maps had topographic contours?

Many topographic maps, such as 7.5 minute quadrangles published by the USGS, are large scale, for example, 1:24,000, and have contour intervals of 40 feet. This level of map information is good for physical geography of areas but can pose problems if you're looking for a finer level of detail, especially in terms of elevation change and contours in urban areas.

Aside from conducting a survey yourself, there are a few options for larger scale maps with detailed elevation information. While some of the suggestions below show elevation information using spot heights rather than contours, these maps are some examples of large scale maps with detailed elevation information:

A topographical & complete map of San Francisco
Call number: G4364.S5 1853.E3 Case D

Topographic map of Market St. res. tract [San Francisco]
Call number: G4364.S5G46 1913.K7 Case D

Atlas of the city of Yonkers, Westchester County, New York
Online

California 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle digital elevation models (DEMs)
Online

Grade map, San Francisco, Calif.
Call number: G4364.S5 s1 .S3 Case D

R-5 height limit study : [Berkeley, Calif.]
Call number: MICROFICHE 2015

Contour map of the City of Berkeley, Alameda County, California
Call number: G4364.B5 1952 .C6 Case B

Often these large scale maps in urban areas are real estate maps and can be found by searching "real property [place] maps" as a subject search in Pathfinder or Melvyl.