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Map Collection

How to Find a Cataloged Map

Cataloged maps, like books, have a call number. These maps are shelved numerically according to their call numbers in the map cases. Many maps appear on the Library's catalog. You search for a map as you would search for a book. The easiest method is to enter the geographic location (country, state, county, city, national park, region, river, etc.) i.e. "California" and the the term "maps". You will see a listing of all maps pertaining to California. However, you may want to limit your available resources. To do this you may enter a subject category with the geographical location., i.e. "California" "mines and mineral resources" "maps".

Here is a short list of some of the most commonly used subject qualifiers:

  1. Administrative and political divisions
  2. Agriculture
  3. Botany
  4. Census districts
  5. City planning
  6. Earthquakes
  7. Ecology
  8. Faults
  9. Floods
  10. Forests and Forestry
  11. Geology
  12. Historical Geography
  13. Hydrology
  14. Land use
  15. Landowners
  16. Mines and mineral resources
  17. [place] maps, outline and base
  18. [place] maps, physical
  19. [place] Photo maps
  20. Real property
  21. [place] maps, tourist
  22. [place] maps, recreation
  23. Vegetation and climate
  24. Water resources development
  25. (Don't forget to always include the term "maps")

Another way to find a cataloged map is to browse through the map drawers. All cataloged maps begin with the letter designation "G". The first set of four numbers following the "G" refers to the geographic location represented on the map. General, non-specific maps will end with the digit "0" (a few end in "5") This last digit can be modified to make the map more specific. 

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