Library

Sheet Maps

Some of our maps can be found using the search box above, but many of them are not listed in our catalogue. They are organized using a numerical map classification system. Within this system, maps are separated into topographic or thematic.

Topographic

• Show features of the earth’s surface.
• Provide more detail; scales are 1:1,000,000 or larger.
• Show contours or land elevations
• Sheets are contiguous.
• Issued by a national government agency.

Topographic maps are arranged by area classification only, and have a call number ending in a 7.  Topographic series have indexes found in the first folder of each series.

Example: 1007 = Canadian topographic map

Thematic

• Show a particular theme or subject: geology, population, tranportation, etc.
• Can be produced at any scale.

Thematic maps are organized by area classification, and have a call number ending in a 6, then sub-arranged by subject classification.

Example: 1006.G534 = Canadian thematic city plan

Our map cabinets within the library are labelled with the same areas and subjects.

Atlases

We have over 4,000 atlases on a variety of topics and locations. Use the search box above to search for atlases. Atlases are non-circulating but are available for use during library hours.