Use the Print Map Collection at Macquarie University Library
What is in the Map Collection?
- Australian Maps including geological map series (some containing explanatory notes)
- Overseas Maps
- Atlases (note atlases can also be found in the Reference Collection)
- Gazetteers and other titles to assist in map reading
- Street Directories
- Globes
Where is the Map Collection Area?
The map collection area is located at the Western end of Level 3 of the Library. If you are unsure of where to find the collection please ask at the Information Desk on Level 2. For futher collection details see Map Collection.Arrangement of the Map Area
- Australian maps are filed in the vertical map cabinets with accompanying grid sheets in the attached green folders. These grids indicate Macquarie University Library's holdings.
- Overseas maps are filed in the horizontal drawers. In the bottom drawers are some older infrequently used Australian maps.
- Atlases are filed in wooden stands and on the wide shelving
- Geological maps 1:250,000 series with notes are filed with the bibliographies, gazeteers and other map related aids.
- Grid numbers and names for various New South Wales map series are located at the end of the woodern atlas stand.
Search for Maps in the Library Catalogue
- Use More Limits option
- Either set Location to Map or Item Type to Maps, Atlases
- Location will find items housed in the map collection
- Item Type will locate the type of publication including maps or atlases in the main or reference collections.
- Keyword search for the name of the area you are interested in finding.
- Author seach if you know who produced the map for example Tasmania. Land Information Services.
Types of Maps and Charts
- Aeronautical Chart - specialised representation of the earth features required for air navigation and piloting
- Bathymetric Map - a topographic map of the ocean floor
- Forestry Map - a map prepared to show the size, density, kind and value of trees in a given area
- Geological Map - a map showing the structure and composition of the earth
- Gravity Anomaly Map - a map showing the position and magnitude of gravity anomolies.
- Magnetic Chart - a special purpose map showing the distribution of one of the magnetic elements, as be isogonic lines
- Metalogenic Map - a map showing mineral and ore deposits
- Nautical Chart - showing water depths, coastlines, tides and currents in a given sea or sea and land area. Also called a Hydrographic Chart
- Orthophotomap - a photographic copy prepared with the displacements due to tilt and relief removed
- Property Map - also called a Cadastral Map, shows the boundaries of subdivisions of land
- Tectonic Map - a map showing major structural features produced by movements in the earths tectonic plates.
- Tidal Current Chart - a chart showing with arrows the average direction and speed of tidal currents
- Topographic Map - a map which shows both the vertical and horizontal position of features
There are also soil, rainfall, vegetation, parish and electrol maps in the Macquarie Library Collection.
How are the Maps filed?
1. Monograph maps in date order
2. Series maps in scale order from largest to smallest scale
3. Series maps with a variety of scales within the same series
4. Some maps belong to a series and do not have an individual record on
the catalogue. The 'Full Record' for a series on the catalogue will sometimes
indicate which individual maps are held in that series
Useful Guides
- Australia 1:250,000 and 1:100,000 Master Name Gazetteer (G103.5.A8/1990)
- Australia 1:250,000 map series gazetteer (G8960.s-250.A822)
- Map reading handbook (GA151.M3)
- Topographic maps, a guide to map reading (GA151.T6 1981)
- Dictionary of geological terms (QE5.A48)
- Dictionary fo mapping, charts nad geodetic terms (GA102.D5)
Useful Mapping Websites
1. Geographical Names Board NSW Search2. Department of Lands - Maps and imagery
3. Geoscience Australia - Place Name Search
Note: All of the above can be used to find names of places, location details and the grid numbers for maps at the 1:100 000 and 1:250 000 scales. The LPI Aerial View provides an interesting way of looking at maps and aerial views of areas in NSW.
4. Macquarie University Library, Ready Reference link to Maps and Atlases