University Libraries Map Collection

The University Libraries' Map Collection is the largest in Western New York. It contains over 300,000 maps, 4,000 aerial photos, and 500 atlases covering all regions of the world, with emphasis on New York State, the United States, and Canada.

Visit the Maproom website at:
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/maps/map_room.html

LOCATION

316 Capen Hall
Science and Engineering Library
Arts and Sciences Library
University at Buffalo, North Campus
(716) 645-2947 ext. 234

HOURS

The hours of the Map Collection are the same as the Science and Engineering Library hours listed on the web at:
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/hours/sel_hours.html

COLLECTIONS

Topographic Maps
Entire U.S. at scales of 1:24,000, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000. Complete set of Canadian maps at 1:50,000. World maps at 1:1,000,000. Maps of Europe, Mexico, and other areas at more detailed scales. Maps are arranged alphabetically by state or country, and then alphabetically by map name. To find a particular map, retrieve the call number from BISON, and then use the floor plan to find that number. Note that the Map Collection uses two cataloging systems: The U.S. Government SuDocs number for government maps and the Library of Congress classification number for other maps.

Thematic Maps
All parts of the world; types include geologic, nautical, ethnolinguistic, water resources, landforms, and population. For Western NY, comprehensive coverage of geology, wetlands, recreation, historical plans, land use, soils, and nautical charts. To locate a particular map, use thematic map guide shown on floor plan.

Aerial Photos and Satellite Imagery
Coverage of Erie & Niagara counties for 1927, 1966, and 1978. Small collection of miscellaneous satellite imagery of American cities. To locate a photo, consult aerial photo index on index tables.

Atlases
General atlases of world regions, countries, and states. Collection includes 1894 Atlas of the City of Buffalo. All atlases are listed in BISON.

CD-ROMS
Hydrodata, Climate data, and Stratigraphic Nomenclature, digital gazetteer of the U.S., and selected titles received on the government depository program.

Cartographic Reference Materials
Variety of reference tools such as gazetteers, place name guides, manual, indexes, catalogs, dictionaries, and cartographic bibliographies.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Reference
Reference assistance, including online searching, cartographic interpretation, and sources of information regarding the purchase of maps, is available. Class instruction and research workshops can be provided upon request.

Contacts

Dave Bertucca (716) 645-2947 ext. 229 or dbertucca@buffalo.edu
Michele Shular (716) 645-2947 ext. 223 or mshular@buffalo.edu

Equipment
Light table
Mirror stereoscopes
Planimeter
Opisometer (distance measure)
Drafting tables
Magnifying glass

Photocopying
Sheet maps can be photocopied on the 3rd or 2nd floors in the Science and Engineering library.

Circulation
Most sheet maps can be circulated for 28 days. Aerial photos do NOT circulate. Maps may be checked out at circulation desk on the 1st floor.