A ‘map’ is any graphic representation of an area in two dimensions. Although almost any characteristic of the land or its inhabitants can be depicted, the most common features are political divisions, transportation routes, and topographic features. The Cal Poly Pomona map collection contains a wide variety of useful information in map format.
An 'atlas' is a book of maps. Call numbers for atlases are obtained by using the Library Catalog. Books that contain maps may be in any part of the collection. A broad search for a particular geographic location would be a KEYWORD search using the terms "and (map* or atlas*)":
Note that these are extremely broad searches and may retrieve a lot of irrelevant material.
Maps, atlases and globes are located on the sixth floor. (See the locations marked "Atlas" and "Map Cases" on the sixth floor map) . Those atlases with the superscript ATLAS above the call number do not circulate while older editions of atlases may be checked out at the second floor Circulation/Reserve Desk.
Paper sheet maps are located in the metal cabinets grouped together along the north wall of the sixth floor.
Maps and non-circulating atlases generally do not circulate. However, if you need to check out any of these items, please consult with the person at the second floor Research Help Desk.
Maps for purchase at the Bronco Bookstore:
Freely available, printable Blank Maps from:
Map Central for detailed Cal Poly Campus Maps and Directions to Campus
CHART: |
A map designed for navigation. Aeronautical charts are used for air navigation, while nautical charts are used on navigable waters. |
---|---|
CONTOUR LINES: |
Lines on a map joining points having equal elevation or depth. |
LATITUDE: |
The distance north or south from the equator along parallel lines encircling the earth. Latitude is expressed in degrees, and perhaps also minutes and seconds. For example, the latitude of Pomona is 34 04’ N. |
LEGEND: |
A list or table printed in the margin of a map explaining the symbols and print styles used on the face of the map. |
LONGITUDE: |
An imaginary great circle on the surface of the earth passing through the north and south poles at right angles to the equator. Longitude is expressed in degrees, and perhaps also in minutes and second. For example, the longitude of Pomona is 117 45’ W. |
MERIDIAN: |
A great circle on the Earth’s surface passing through both poles at any given place. |
QUADRANGLE MAP: |
One that depicts four-sided areas bounded on the east and west by meridians of longitude, and on the north and south by parallels of latitude. Each ‘square’ is a quadrangle. |
RELIEF MAP: |
One showing variations in height or depth on the Earth’s surface--such as mountains, valleys, water courses, roads or buildings--by graphic methods including contours, hill shading, and altitude tints. |
|
The ratio between distances on a map and the same distances on the ground. It may be given as a numerical ratio or by bars marked in feet, miles or kilometers. Here are some standard scales: 7.5 minutes 1:24,000 1 inch = 2000 feet |
TOPOGRAPHIC: |
These are maps showing the elevation of the land, as portrayed by contours, and related information such as flora, waterways, roads, and buildings. Most topographic maps cover one or more quadrangles. |
USGS: |
The United States Geological Survey, maker and publisher of fine maps including the USGS topographic map series. |