Online WWW Map Directories
There is a wide range of historical web resources online for use in research and the classroom. Maps may come in various forms, they can be chronological, environmental, geographical, aerial, or strictly graphical representations. If you are teaching or undertaking historical research of any kind, historical map directories can be of use to you. The availability of audiovisual technology and instructional media in the classroom has made online resources such as map directories readily available. This site references many of the map resources and links available on the internet.
Special Collections
- Many of the maps included in the directories and collections on this site are in the public domain. No permissions are needed to copy them. You may download and use them as you wish.
- Some maps may have an official seal of a U.S. federal agency. Federal law prohibits use of these seals in connection with any merchandise, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in a manner which may give the impression that use of the seal is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the federal government.
- It is important to note that many map resource web sites we link to are protected by copyright restrictionsand their use is subject to each site's copyrights, usage rules or guidelines. You must contact each site individually for information about their copyright policies.
| Library of Congress The American Memories project includes the following map collections: Civil War Maps ~ 1861-1865 ; Liberia ~ Maps ~ 1830-1870 ; Maps ~ 1500-2004 ; National Parks ~ Maps ; Panoramic Maps ~ 1847-1929 ; Railroads ~ Maps ~ 1828-1900 ; Revolutionary Era ~ Maps ~ 1750-1789 , including t he American Revolution and Its Era: Maps and Charts of North America and the West Indies, 1750-1789; Revolutionary Era ~ Rochambeau Maps ~ 1717-1795. |
Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection This University of Texas research collection includes a wide listing of map resources and links, including currently relevant map information related to Afghanistan Maps, Gaza - Israeli Disengagement Plan (BBC News), Gaza City - Satellite Image (DigitalGlobe), Gaza Maps, Iran Maps, Special Weapons Facilities Maps (Federation of American Scientists), Iraq Maps, Sudan Maps, Niger - Humanitarian Crisis, and Asia - Avian Influenza Areas of Concern. |
| Hargrett Library Rare Map Collection "The Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of Georgia maintains a collection of more than 800 historic maps spanning nearly 500 years, from the sixteenth century through the early twentieth century." |
CIA Maps and Publications The Central Intelligence Agency's Maps and Publications Released to the Public is a comprehensive listing of all unclassified maps and publications available to the public for purchase. |
| U.S. National Archives and Records Administration The National Archives preserves valuable records and primary source information of use to students, educators and researchers, and includes in its collections historical Cartographic and Architectural Records. |
Yale University Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) This Yale University database site shows that, "available from this portion of the Peabody Museum web are 1,233,933 records corresponding to the labeled features that can be found on the 1:24,000 scale topographic maps of the US Geological Survey." |
