![]() |
Map Library
The Map Library collection consists of an estimated 200,000 maps, over 500 atlases and geographic reference books, and a growing collection of digital spatial data. Our collection provides well-rounded, world-wide coverage. We collect general and thematic maps and atlases at small and large scales, mostly from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, and related reference materials such as gazetteers.
The Map Library is a full Federal
Depository Library and the majority of our maps are acquired through
the Federal Depository Library Program.
We have put together an extensive list of links to online maps, GIS data, and maps reference resources. Please see our Web
Resources section.
Read more about our collection.
New/Of Note
- Maps of Somali pirate activity from UNOSAT.
- Swine Flu on Google Maps
- L'Aquila Earthquake (April 6, 2009) Summary Poster
More Italy Earthquake information from the USGS
Links to historic information, institutions, and maps.
- Jamestown, Québec, Santa Fe:
Three North American Beginnings
An online exhibition from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, including artifacts and maps. "This exhibition explores the international origins of the societies of Canada and the United States and commemorates the 400th anniversary of three lasting settlements in Jamestown (1607), Québec (1608), and Santa Fe (1609)." - New Maps, Atlases, and GIS Data: View maps newly added to our collection in Chinook--now available via RSS feed.

- Free Landsat Imagery from the USGS:
- Building
Colorado Story by Story: The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Collection
The Map Library's latest digital project, Building Colorado Story by Story, provides online access to Sanborn maps of 79 cities in Colorado from 1883-1922.
More information about our Sanborn Fire Insurance maps can be found here.
We have more maps in print than are available online. Sanborn maps may be viewed by appointment only. Please e-mail us or call 303-492-7578 for an appointment. These maps do not circulate, and may not be photocopied. Digital photos are permitted.
- Map Library Exhibit: Polar Regions
On April 21 the USGS released a technical announcement outlining the plan for the release of no-charge Landsat data. Over the next 9 months, EROS will be opening up the Landsat archive for no-charge ordering. Please see the announcement for details.
This is the fourth in a series of exhibits on the topic of landscape/geography in literature. It features maps, poetry, and prose about the Arctic and Antarctic, and writings inspired by the regions' extremes of climate. Inuit authors are represented in a variety of styles, from song to narrative. The influence of polar explorers' reports on Romantic literature is also highlighted.Maps in the exhibit range from a 16th century depiction of the North Pole and surrounds, to satellite imagery of Antarctic ice fields. Texts include Inuit descriptions of encounters with white explorers, nature writing, and early 19th century poetry by Eleanor Anne Porden Franklin, first wife of polar explorer John Franklin.
Part II of the Polar Regions exhibit is on display in the Math/Physics Library, with some creepy prose by Edgar Allan Poe and selections of contemporary poetry, including a poem by Pablo Neruda.
This exhibit was created in honor of the International Polar Year (March 2007-March 2009) and will be on display through Spring 2009. If you have any questions about finding maps of the polar regions (or any other areas in the world!) please don't hesitate to contact the Map Library.
- Historical
Aerial Photographs of Colorado: Online access to over 1,700 digitized
aerial photographs taken from 1937-1946.
MAP
We are located at approximately
40° 0'
29" N, 105° 15'
55" W, T1N, R70W, Section 31, SE 1/4 in
the Benson
Earth Sciences building. Enter the Earth
Sciences Library on the first floor
on the southwest side. Take the elevator
or stairs to the lower level.
Take a look at a USGS Urban Area Series aerial photograph
of the CU campus. You can see Benson Earth Sciences across the street from the stadium.
Mailing Address:
Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences & Map
Library
University Libraries, University of Colorado
184 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Physical Address:
Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences & Map Library
Benson Earth Sciences
2200 Colorado Avenue
Boulder, CO 80309

