Map & Imagery Library Collections

General Map Collection (1950-Present)

World-wide coverage, includes topographic and thematic maps. Some planet and star maps are also available. The majority of the collection is cataloged and searchable through the UF Library Catalog. Uncataloged maps are arranged by geographic region. (Note that some maps produced by the U.S. Government are filed separately.)

Historical Map Collections

The historical map collections are made up a number of distinctive and important collections including, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Florida, the World Antique Map Collection, and the Florida History Map Collection. Due to their fragile nature, pre-1950 era maps in the general collection are also considered to be part of the historical map collections and do not circulate. All maps in the historical map collections must be requested at the front desk and advanced notice of visits to look at these maps is highly encouraged.

Misc Florida Maps

The Map and Imagery Library contains many Florida and Alachua county specific collections that have been separated out into the Misc Florida section. These include, Florida topographic maps, street and road maps, FEMA and “Flood Prone” area maps, Alachua County Property Appraiser maps and aerials (1960s – 1990s), and Gainesville City utility maps (approx. date 1997). (Note the Sanborn Fire Insurance of Florida maps and the Florida History Map Collection are filed separately.)

Sanborn® Fire Insurance Company Maps

We hold the largest collection of Sanborn maps of Florida cities, outside of the Library of Congress. Over 130 Florida cities and towns are covered, with the earliest map depicting 1884 Cedar Key. Digital images are available for maps between 1884 to 1923. If found to be out of copyright, later editions may also be available.

U.S. Government Maps

As a Regional Library in the Federal Depository Program, UF receives many maps produced by the U.S. Government. In particular, the Map and Imagery Library has large holdings of USGS topographic maps (all scales), USGS Miscellaneous Investigation Series maps, NOAA nautical charts, CIA series maps, aeronautical charts, and National Park maps. Some of these maps are held off-site and may need to be requested in advance of your visit.

Aerial Photography and Satellite Imagery

The Map and Imagery Library holds one of the largest collections of historical aerial photography of Florida and includes over 350,000 images. Many of the aerials from 1938-1991 are available through the Aerial Photography : Florida website. The library also contains a significant number of both digital and print satellite images. Please contact the UF Map and Imagery Library for information about these collections.

Reference Books and Atlases

Many books and atlases are available in the Map and Imagery Library. The collection contains travel guides, gazetteers, history of cartography references, map design and visualization manuals, remote sensing guides, and GIS tutorials. There are even books on the geography of imaginary worlds. Oversized atlases, books older than 1950, and books that don't circulate must be requested at the front desk.

Geospatial Data

There is a growing number of geospatial data resources available to UF faculty, staff, and students. One standout database is the world-wide LandScan population data (2000 – 2014). This and other datasets can be accessed through the UF EVGeoCloud. (Note, if accessing off campus, the remote login VPN must be used to access the site.) For information on other datasets available through the UF Map and Imagery Library or on the web, please contact us.

Globes

The Map and Imagery Library has over 50 globes. Not all of these globes are of the earth. Some globes represent other planets, while others show the constellations. There are globes that light up, globes that are blown up, and even one that talks. The drift-globe allows the user to remove the continents and demonstrate continental drift. Globes may be checked out for use in class instruction at the Map Librarian's discretion.