The Brooks Library has several types of globes available for use. There are political world globes, lunar globes, planetary globes, raised-relief globes, along with others. Many are available for classroom use. Please contact Ask the Libraries for more information about borrowing for classroom use.
What is a nautical chart? Mariners have used these tools for as long as mankind has sailed. They tell the configuration of the shoreline and the depth of the waters, the configuration of the sea floor and help map out a voyage. The charts also provide latitude and longitude, magnetic information, location of lighthouses and other navigational information. For more information, see an encyclopedia such as the Encyclopedia Britannica
Nautical chart symbols, abbreviations, and terms : chart no. 1, United States of America by
The Brooks Library has aeronautical and nautical charts for the United States as well as international charts. These charts are available for borrowing for a limited time. You need to show your ID and fill out a borrowing form. You are limited to five charts at a time.
Language helps define who we are as citizens of the world. Maps of languages and linguistics help define cultures and habitats. Below are links to help you research the phenomenal work in mapping the world by language.
Sanborn Maps
Sanborn maps were published by the Sanborn Map Company and are "arranged by state, then city and release data." (Library of Congress). Within the microform collection on the 3rd floor, you can find films for the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps on Microfilm (MM-892) for the following States:
Sanborn maps may be found online at the Library of Congress. There are over 275 maps for the State of Washington available at the Library of Congress.
Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington. by Fire Insurance Maps in the Library of Congress by Fire Insurance Maps in the Library of Congress by
December 2009, the United States Geological Service announced it would no longer produce print topographic maps (topos) as they are now freely available for download by visiting The National Map website. The USGS is currently scanning all editions and scales of topographic maps produced since the topographic mapping program beginning in 1884.
LOCATION: Topos are found in the west side cabinets in the Map Room. They are arranged alphabetically by state with the exception of Pennsylvania which have not yet been added to the collection. Please contact Ask the Libraries.for additional help.
MAP SCALE
Did you know that the topos were initially measured by how far you walked in 7 and a half minutes ? USGS maps
scale used for most topographic maps is 1:24,000 - cover an area measuring 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes of longitude and are commonly called 7.5 minute quadrangle maps.
Scale is the relationship between the distance on the map and the distance on the ground. It is usually provided as a fraction or a ratio.
The US Topo Map Evolution
In 2017, the USGS began modernizing their system for producing and digitizing maps. USGS stopped producing print maps in 2006 and began to scan and publish digitized maps in 2009. Now they are looking at using new technologies for improving their historic series. For more information, see their Topo Map Evolution.
Thematic maps are the rest of the maps we have in the collections - geologic, hydrology, weather, soil, etc. They are maps about a particular subject or theme. They are usually published by a government agency or sponsored by the agency in cooperation with a private contractor. Much of our collection is in LC class order or in SuDocs number order on the book shelves within the U.S. Department of the Interior collection. Some may still be in the old Washington document number which is being transferred to LC (Library of Congress) classification. If you need help, please ask at the Service desk on the third floor.
Political Map of the United States in 1850
Political Map - 115th Congressional Districts, United States
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