Over one hundred detailed maps of the North Carolina Coast, published by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, are available now on North Carolina Maps. Ranging in date from 1838 to 1974, these maps document the changing coast over time. Most of the maps show carefully surveyed coastlines and rivers, soundings, land cover near the shore, and other elements of use to ships and sailors, including buoys, lighthouses, and life saving stations.