AGSL Cartographic Collection

General Maps
The AGSL has over 500,000 maps of all types covering the world at a wide range of scales. Included are the major national topographic series, navigational charts detailing the earth’s coastlines and a wealth of thematic maps treating the full range of physical and human factors. The oldest orginal map in the AGSL holdings is the MappaMundi, by Venitian cartographer Giovanni Leardo, which dates from 1452.

Finding Maps in the AGSL
AGSL maps are arranged using the unique, region-based AGSL classification system.

Maps added to the AGSL since 1984 - PantherCat
Maps cataloged since 1984 are cataloged and accessible through the Library's on-line catalog, PantherCat.

To search specifically for maps, select Keyword search first, then limit your search to Type: map or Location: American Geographical Society Collection - Maps.

Maps added to the AGSL before 1984 - AGSL Card Catalog
The majority of maps dating before1984 have only been cataloged in the old fashioned map card catalog. But, thanks to an on-going recataloging project, many older maps may be found in the online catalog (PantherCat). If you don't find what you're looking for in PantherCat, visit the AGSL to use the card catalog or email us with questions (agsl at uwm.edu).

When searching in the card catalog, some points to be aware of include:  The underlying arrangement is geographic. All maps relating to a place are entered under the name of the place and then sub-arranged according to the category of the map. The categories are:

• Maps of the whole geographic unit, arranged by date
• Atlases of that unit
• Cities of that unit
• Exploration done by that unit
• Government agencies (publishers)
• Reference Material
• Sections of the unit
• Sets of maps of the unit

Entries (card catalog cards) with the word LIBRARY in the upper right hand corner are maps that are to be found in books or periodicals. Make sure to get the full citation.

Older entries have obsolete call numbers. To find an item it is
necessary to create the likely call number for the map.

When using subject entries in the card catalog, be aware that the sub-arrangement is geographical. 

AGS Classificaiton

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