The purpose of this blog is to connect those interested in historical maps, ancient maps and cartographic history with resources for investigating these subjects. Within these posts are links to online resources such as digital collections of ancient and historic maps, information on the history of cartography, platforms for interacting with historical maps, free download-able maps and information, and blogs relating to historic maps and cartography.

The web resources presented in these blog entries may be useful to students of history, anthropology, geography, cartography, and anyone else with an appreciation for the past and beautiful images. Follow the links, and enjoy!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

More Historical Digital Map Collections...

Online Collections:


American Geographical Society Library. (2011, November 28). Digital map collection. Retrieved from University of Wisconsin website: http://www4.uwm.edu/libraries/digilib/maps/index.cfm

This site features maps from the American Geographical Society Library. “The cartography featured in this collection spans the globe from the 15th to 21st centuries.” The collection can be accessed via advanced search and browsing locations, and zoom features allow users to view map details. View the websites tutorial for detailed instructions on how to use these features.

British Library. (n.d.). Online gallery. Retrieved from http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/mapsviews/index.html

This site hosts a selection of beautiful historic maps from the British Library Online Gallery. Following is an example of a map from the British Library; it is a map of New York from 1664.


Cartography Associates. (2009). David Rumsey map collection. Retrieved from http://www.davidrumsey.com/view/articles/view

This online collection contains over 28,000 maps and images, focusing on rare 18th and 19th century maps of North and South America. Also included are world maps, maps of Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Some interactive features on this site include; maprank search, viewing maps in Second Life, and georeferencing with GoogleEarth and Google maps, and parts of the collection are viewable in Second Life. This site also hosts a blog.

 Screen shot of me exploring the David Rumsey map island in Second Life:



NOAA Office of Coast Survey. (n.d.). Historical map & chart collection. Retrieved from http://historicalcharts.noaa.gov/

“Office of Coast Survey's Historical Map & Chart Collection covers the land and waters of the United States of America, including territories and possessions (past and present).” The collection can be searched by selecting points on a map, or by entering a geographic place name. The maps are zoom-able, and are free for download. Downloaded images can be used for both educational and educational purposes.
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