This site hosts a variety of geospatial data, such as:

o USGS DRG (raster - scanned USGS quad maps)
o DEM Data (from the National Elevation Data Set - various resolutions)
o Ortho Imagery (the NAIP is usually most recent)
o Soils Data (the SSURGO includes SHP files of the Soil Survey maps)
o Precipitation Data (varies greatly by location – the NOAA HDSC site listed below has better data)

Instructions: Find the Get Data link a couple of lines down from the top. You can then graphically select the area or select an entire county or state. Once you have selected the area, select the data types and the delivery format (FTP is best). You will need to sign up and supply some information, but it is free. Once the site has packaged your order, they will send you an email with the FTP link for download. Note: Don’t expect instant service at all times. Data can take as long as several hours to prepare during peak times.