Frequently Asked Questions
About Maps
Here are a selection of common requests and questions that might help you in your search for maps and cartographic data at the University at Buffalo.

Some links go to other pages.

• How do I locate Maps? Most of our maps and atlases are cataloged so search BISON: the UB Libraries Catalog. There is also a list of some of our uncataloged map collections.
• How do I locate Electronic Maps? Electronic maps and images of printed maps may be located using the UB Map Collection website or by popular search engines. Finding good, accurate maps requires some effort but a number of good sites exist and you can find many good maps for your research and leisure. If you need assistance finding e-maps, contact David Bertuca, the Map Librarian. Helpful examples and links are also on the Electronic Maps page.
• What maps do you have of Buffalo, New York? Western New York? Also on these pages are links to maps/satellite images for Erie and Niagara Counties, along with some of the major cities and towns.
• Are there aerial photographs in the Collection? Are there Map & Satellite Images Online?
• Can I check maps out? Yes, maps in the Map Room (except for those in Map Reference) may be borrowed by UB students, staff, and by those with other borrowing privileges. See: Borrowing information.
• How do I locate topographic maps?
• What do all the map symbols mean?
• Where can I buy maps?
• Can I donate maps, charts, aerial photographs, and atlases to the Collection? Yes, we encourage you to consider contributing maps, aerial photos, and other cartographic materials of any type, including: travel maps in brochures, road maps (historic or new), custom-produced maps from research or classes, and other items. We are also encouraging you to submit GIS data sets that you have created and are willing to share. Please contact David Bertuca, Map Librarian for details. Donated or gifted maps are one of the main ways that we can obtain maps, especially those that are unique, or that fill in gaps in our collection. We appreciate this greatly.
• Are there maps for other countries besides the United States? Yes, to locate these, search BISON the UB Libraries Catalog. (one type of search would be using keywords: k = denmark and maps). However, there are many ways to search for maps.
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Where do I go for data or library assistance? At present, we are developing a GIS center. Contact Michele Shular, Geosciences Librarian, for details.
  • How do I learn how to use ArcView?
• Digital Sanborn Maps: Who can use them? The University Libraries subscribe to the Digital Sanborn Maps for New York state only. All UB students and staff may access these as part of our subscription, as well as those on campus with guest passes, and those with UB Alumni or Friends of the Libraries memberships. Our subscription is expensive and we are required to limit use to this population. We do not share passwords or access to anyone who does not belong to one of the above groups.
• What is the Geographical Center of the United States?
• Ernie Woodson Memorial. Visit the memorial for UB's former Map Librarian.

Where can I buy maps?

Local suppliers

• Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). Has topographical maps of Western New York state (with some adjoining PA coverage), and the Adirondacks. 1270 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, New York 14150. 716-838-4200.
• Gander Mountain, 880 Young Street, Tonawanda, NY 14150. 716-743-2300.
  Offers MapCard, a subscription service providing unlimited access to topo maps, aerial photos, and powerful mapping tools.
• Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District. The county office of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. 50 Commerce Way, East Aurora, New York 14052. (716) 652-8480. Topo maps of Erie County, New York only. Also has reports on local watersheds and soil studies.
• Niagara County Historical Society, 215 Niagara Street, Lockport, New York 14094. (716) 434-7433.

Online sources

• USGS Store. Printed topographic and other maps, GIS data sets, other U.S. government cartographic materials. Also, use Ask USGS. Some products (e.g., Aerial Photography) are listed under specific type of material. Additional product information.
• Government Maps (Ask USGS - Earth Science Information Center). Not only USGS produced maps.
• Omni Resources Map Catalog. "The world's largest online map catalog." USGS maps are available here.
• Map Link. Maps of continents, countries, other. Map indexes available online. Good source for USGS Topos, map reading and measuring tools.
• MapMart. Has all kinds of maps and data sets. USGS maps are available here. A good source for digital data and for scanned files of paper maps.
• Topo Maps & Satellite Images online. Refer to this link for topos, satellite images.
• Maps.com. Listed as the "World's Largest Map Store."
• Omni Resources. Locate and purchase maps from a major source.
• National Geographic. (link goes to store).
• Topo Maps (Trails.com). Maps ready for purchase, or custom, user-created maps can be ordered.
• Ordnance Survey - U.K. For maps produced by the  British government.
• Where to Buy Maps. Large listing of reliable map dealers (compiled by the Perry-Castañeda Map Collection, UT Library).