Map Collection

Contents:
The Collection
Finding Maps
Map Basics: Guides to Using Maps
Hours & Assistance
Photocopiers & Equipment
Circulation Policy

The Collection

The Map Collection, located in the Reference Services Division (1st floor, Library Addition) consists of over 135,000 sheet maps and more than 1,000 atlases and gazetteers.

The collection is worldwide in scope, with an emphasis on San Diego, California, the United States, and Baja California. The degree of detail varies from street maps of cities to general maps of large regions of the world. The collection has general, worldwide topographical, nautical, and aeronautical coverage. Many thematic maps (e.g. showing vegetation, geology, etc) are also available. There are gazetteers to locate named features for every country in the world. Most of the collection dates from 1945 to the present.

Finding Maps

For atlases, use the library catalog, the PAC.

For sheet maps, start with either:

1. The Map Finding Aid, which lists where the maps are located for particular countries, islands, etc.

2. Guides, which include online resources where available:

• Aerial Photographs & Satellite Imagery
• Aeronautical charts
• Fire Insurance Maps
• Gazetteers
• Geologic Maps
• GIS Data
• National Wetlands Inventory Maps
• Nautical Charts
• Online Maps
• Online Maps - California
• Outline Maps
• Soil Surveys
• Topographic Maps

Map Basics: Guides to Using Maps

If you need assistance, please ask at the reference desk or contact the Map Librarian.

• Scale
• Projections
• Coordinate Systems:
• Geographic (latitude / longitude)
• Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
• Public Land Survey

• Citing Maps Ohio Wesleyan University

Hours & Assistance

The Map Collection is in an open area and thus is open the same hours as the rest of the building. Assistance is available during reference hours at the reference desk by coming in person or by calling (619) 594-6728. You may also contact the Map Librarian.

Photocopiers & Equipment

Two black and white copiers are located near the map collection. One can copy up to 11 x 17 paper; the other can copy up to 8 1/2 x 14 paper. Copies are .10/page. There is a color copier on the first floor and color copies are $1.00/page. For locations of other copiers and information about copy cards and change machines, see the Copy Service page.

There is also a GIS workstation available by appointment.

Circulation Policy

Items in the Map Collection are for library use only and do not normally circulate. Exceptions are made for maps in good condition that are needed for classroom presentations or duplicating (e.g. full-size reproduction, scanning, digitizing, etc). Users must have a valid library card. Ask at the reference desk for more information.

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