Using Maps

The Map Collection includes indexes, atlases, geographical dictionaries, and other finding aids and reference materials.  Knowledgeable staff are available to assist patrons in locating maps, geographic places, the interpretation of scale and symbols, and other aspects of map use.

Additional map use resources:

Citation of Maps

Guide to Citing Maps and Atlases, McMaster University
http://library.mcmaster.ca/maps/mapcite.htm

Locating Geographic Names

Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/vocabularies/tgn/index.html

US Board on Geographic Names.  Location finder for known place name.
http://geonames.usgs.gov/

US Gazetteer.  From the US Bureau of the census.
http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer

Map Use and Interpretation

Coordinate Systems Overview.  Explainslocal and global systems such as latitude and longitude for use in precise positioning, navigation, and geographic information systems for the location of points in space. Developed byPeter H. Dana, The Geographer's Craft Project, Department of Geography, The University of Colorado at Boulder. 
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/coordsys/coordsys.html

USGS Fact Sheet:  Finding your way with map and Compass
http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs03501.html

Glossary of Cartographic Terms.  Perry Castaneda Map Library
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/glossary.html

USGS Global Positioning System
http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs06299.html

USGS Map Scales
http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs01502.html

USGS Topographic Map Symbols.  Guide to interpreting topographic maps.
http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/

USGS Topographic Maps.  History and general information on United States Geologic Survey and topographic maps, finding and ordering USGS maps, including digital raster graphics
http://topomaps.usgs.gov/

Last Edited: 18 October 2010