Finding maps

• Search our catalogue - most maps are catalogued, and some are digitised
• Tip: Narrow your search to only maps by selecting the 'Map' format limit

• Maps are usually catalogued by 'place' – country, state, region or other place of interest. Try using place names in keyword (and subject) searches, as well as the type of map, for example:

  Canberra AND road

  Pilbara AND geology

  "Papua New Guinea" AND rainfall

• Research guides provide step-by-step instructions and suggested resources to assist in requesting and using the following materials:
  • Aerial photographs
  • Australian maps for family historians
  • Australian topographic maps
  • British and Irish maps for family historians
  • Nautical charts
  • Overseas series maps

Using the collection

• Some maps in the collection have not yet been catalogued – if you can't find what you need please Ask a Librarian.
• Request material to view by logging into the catalogue with your Library login and submitting an online request. See our collection delivery service for more information.
• Maps are delivered to the Special Collections Reading Room three times a day, Monday to Friday. See our collection delivery times for more information.
• Map Search: Historical maps overlaid on modern maps

Oversize maps and globes and fragile items

• Some items in the Maps collection are not suitable for delivery to the Special Collections Reading Room. If you have requested an oversize map or a globe, you may need to view the item elsewhere. Please Ask a Librarian to arrange this.
• Some fragile maps materials, including some rare atlases, are not available to request. If you can demonstrate a need to access these materials, submit your request to Ask a Librarian.

Photographing maps and atlases in the reading room

• Maps may be photographed for study or research, subject to care and handling, and copyright guidelines.
• A reading room camera is also available on request, and images can be downloaded to a PC/laptop when done. If information or assistance is needed, please check with the Special Collections Reading Room staff.

Getting a copy of a map

Download our digitised maps at no cost

1. Find the item you would like a copy of in our catalogue.
2. If the record has a thumbnail or digitised image then you can download it.
3. Click on the image to open it in Trove.
4. Click the download icon.
5. Select the file format (JPG or TIF).
6. Download.

If the map is on more than one sheet, click Browse to view all sheets and download the ones you want following the steps above.

Order a copy via Copies Direct

If the map isn't available online for free download, you can order a copy via Copies Direct

1. Find the item you would like a copy of in our catalogue
2. Scroll down and select the 'Order a copy' tab and follow the prompts

Note:

• Maps published by a government body remain in copyright for 50 years from the end of the year of publication.
• Maps published by a commercial publisher remain in copyright for 70 years from the end of the year of publication.

Check these pages for more information on:

• Rights and the Maps Collection
• Copies Direct costs and delivery options

Citing

Please see How to acknowledge the Library in your publication

Contacting the Maps team

Use Ask a Librarian to lodge an online enquiry about maps, rare atlases or aerial photographs.