Map it!ADDING VISUAL CONTENT TO YOUR RESEARCH GRABS THE EYE…

Basic introduction to maps

Whether it be a chart of outer space or a plan of a university campus, maps play an essential role in our everyday lives (NRCan)

For general information about mapping see the introductory guide from the Atlas of Canada

Why do I want to use maps?

Many topics have a spatial (place) or temporal (time) aspect that can be clearly shown with a map

Maps can make a visual point quickly

When doing research for subjects like history, biology, architecture, international politics and, of course, geography or environmental studies you may need to look at a map to understand the material you are studying

Topographic maps show features of the earth’s surface

Thematic maps show particular topics like geology, political boundaries or history to explain the context of spatial data

Maps at Carleton

The Carleton library has a wonderful collection of sheet maps and atlases covering the entire world (and outer space)

These are located in the Maps, Data and Government Information Centre (MADGIC) located on floor 2 of the MacOdrum Library

Library Map Specialists can assist your research in many ways

As well, maps are widely available on the Internet and map images can be imported into your papers

Start from the Library’s home page

What’s on the Maps home page?

Use the Custom Google Search Engine to find Online Maps

Can I make a map?

There is special ESRI ArcGIS software that lets you create a map from spatial data but you do have to know how to use this software...

The library has an extensive collection of data and air photos for use with this software as well as access to Google Earth Pro and Statistics Canada mapping in the E-Stat database

If you want to know more, visit the GIS web pages

How can I find out what maps and atlases the library has?

All atlases are listed in the library’s online catalogue but…

Not all of our sheet maps are listed in the catalogue yet – mainly maps received from 2001 onwards and selected historical maps have been catalogued

If you are having trouble finding a map be sure to ask for help at the MADGIC information desk

So now that I’ve found my map, how do I cite it for my paper?

HELP!! I still can’t find what I need…

Remember that the staff in MADGIC is there to help you.Come in for a visit, phone, or contact them online

Maps enrich our knowledge of the world

Thanks for your attention today

Please be sure to visit MADGIC to learn more about how you can use maps to enhance your general knowledge and your research