New Jersey State Library

Geographic Sources
Maps, atlases, gazetteers, GIS systems on government web sites Catalog \| Print \| Databases \| Web sites
I. Search our catalog: Suggested subject keywords: Atlases (and) keyword Maps (and) keyword Gazetteers (and) keyword Geographic Information systems When searching our catalog for NewJersey-related materials, use the New Jersey subject keyword index.
II. Helpful Print Resources: The Columbia Gazetteer of the World, Cohen, Saul B., New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 1998. Call # R910.3 C727 — Reference -Level 4 Geo-data: the World Geographical Encylopedia, McCoy, John F., Detroit, MI: Thomson-Gale, 2003. Call # R910.3 G342 — Reference -Level 4 Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide, Rand McNally and Company, Chicago, IL: Rand McNally and Company, 2003. Call #R912 R187 — Reference -Level 4 Goode's World Atlas, 20th ed., Goode, J. Paul, Skokie, IL: Rand McNally, 2000. Call #R912 G647.20 — Reference -Level 4
III. Electronic Databases: subject listing and title listing Use to locate maps and data: Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Contains about almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the US. The federally recognized name of each feature is identified, and references are made to a feature's location by state, county, and geographic coordinates. National Atlas of the United States Various products mapping natural and socio-cultural landscapes. .
IV. Web sites American FactFinder Interactive data and mapping facility at the US Census Bureau. Use the Reference and Thematic Maps features to create detailed maps with census geography for places in the United States. Canadian Geographical Names Interactive and authoritative source of over 500,000 Canadian geographical names from Natural Resources Canada. Includes background information on names and basic locational information. FEMA: Map Service Center Distribution center for Federal Emergency Management Administration flood map and insurance products The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (USGS) The U.S. Board on Geographic Names is a Federal body created in 1890 and established in its present form by Public Law in 1947 to maintain uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. Geological Survey (USGS) Geological and mapping data and products with ordering information. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Contains about almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the US. The federally recognized name of each feature is identified, and references are made to a feature's location by state, county, and geographic coordinates. GEOnet Names Server (GNS) Provides access to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's database of foreign geographic feature names. Monthly updates to thousands of the almost 4 million features by the US Board of Geographic Names. Provides query form access. GIS Gateway Good compendia site via the Census Bureau offering access to a variety of Geographic Information Systems on the web. Map Machine @ National Geographic Easy access to simple maps for countries, the nation and states. Includes maps, flags, facts, and profiles. Maps may be printed or downloaded. National Atlas of Canada Online Provides themed ready-made, downloadable and printable maps as well as facts about Canada and related data and services. National Atlas of the United States Various products mapping natural and socio-cultural landscapes. TerraServer Microsoft is now providing the most popular USGS maps. Both topographic maps and aerial photographs are available. Access is available by place name, latitude and longitude, or index maps. Parts of maps can be enlarged, viewed, and printed. U.S. Gazetteer The 1990 Census Gazetteer Place Search is used to identify places to view with the Tiger Map Server. The Census 2000 Gazetteer files must be downloaded for use. U.S. Board on Geographic Names Access to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database.

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