Cartographic Information on the Web: Maps and Atlases
Useful Maps and Mapping Tools
- UI ONLY- Digital Sanborn Maps (1867-1970)ProQuest's fire insurance maps of the US, dating from 1867-1970. Digitized, but not in color. All images are for non-commercial use only, as many maps are still under copyright.
NOTE: The State Library of Iowa makes Iowa Sanborn maps available online for anyone with a State Library of Iowa card, see: http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/services/resources/sanborn-login - American FactFinderFind popular facts (population, income, etc.) and frequently requested data about your community.
Search by state, county, city, town, or zip code. - US Census ExplorerCensus information in map form
- SimplyMap(USE your UI email address as username)
Create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data for the United States. [Not compatible with Internet Explorer 9] - Global GIS Data BundleThis dataset contains Global Data Bundles compiled by Land Info and was purchased by the University of Iowa for distribution within the UI community. Data is accessible only to UI on-campus IP addresses.
- Google EarthOffers users the ability to search with 3D imagery, including 3D buildings, trees, and oceans
- USGS Topographic MapsNational Geographic's more user-friendly interface for downloading and printing USGS topos.
Atlases and Gazetteers
- USDA Economic Research Service, Atlas of Rural and Small-Town AmericaTraces population changes and other data in the United States. View county-level maps for over 60 socioeconomic indicators.
- USGS Geographic Names Information SystemAccording to the US Board on Geographic Names, "The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is the Federal and national standard for geographic nomenclature... The GNIS contains information about physical and cultural geographic features of all types in the United States, associated areas, and Antarctica, current and historical, but not including roads and highways."
- GeoNamesGazetteer for non-US geographic names. "The names, variants, and associated data may not reflect the views of the United States Government on the sovereignty over geographic features."