Find Geospatial Data, Maps, & Aerial Photography
UW Libraries Map Collection
Includes geospatial data for use with GIS software, approximately 270,000 map sheets, and over 86,000 aerial photographs.
Ask Us!
Get help from librarians by email, phone, 24/7 chat, or make an appointment with a subject expert
Geospatial Data
- The UW Libraries has a collection of geospatial datasets, primarily of Puget Sound and State of Washington areas, but also some national and international areas.
- Many datasets can be found and accessed through various online data portals.
- Geospatial datasets stored on physical media (CDs/DVDs) are held in the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) unit .
- UW Libraries Search includes most, but not all, of the geospatial datasets in the collection.
- Some datasets are restricted by license agreement and are available only to UW faculty, staff, and students. Other datasets are in the public domain.
Geospatial Data Resources Guide
UW Libraries’ Geospatial Data Resources Guide is the primary resource for information on GIS resources and services available at the UW Libraries including the Suzzallo Library GIS Lab and access to geospatial data.
Big Ten Academic Alliance Geospatial Information Network Geoportal
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Geospatial Information Network (BTAA-GIN) is a collaboration of library-affiliated staff from the Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. The BTAA-GIN maintains the BTAA Geoportal to improve discovery of geospatial resources.
ArcGIS Software at the UW
The University of Washington has access to GIS software available through ESRI’s Educational Site License program. The license provides access to the ArcGIS platform to all faculty, staff and students for learning, research, and administration.
Maps
- The collection includes geologic maps, historic maps, nautical & aeronautical charts, road maps, thematic maps, and topographic maps.
- UW Libraries Search includes most, but not all, of the maps located in the Libraries.
- Most of the UW Libraries’ maps are located in the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) unit on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library.
- Additional offline guides and indexes may also be needed to use the materials.
Maps & Cartographic Information Guide
UW Libraries’ Maps & Cartographic Information Guide is the primary resource for information about map resources and services available at the UW Libraries .
Access Maps
Yes, most maps can be checked out to users with current borrowing privileges. Some maps are restricted to in-library-use only due to their age and physical condition.
Other institutions may borrow maps through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services and restrictions may apply.
Yes, use the flatbed scanners located in Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) to make digital (.gif, .jpg, .pdf) files.
Aerial Photography
- The aerial photography collection only covers areas within Washington State and spans the years 1944-2003.
- UW Libraries Search includes most, but not all, of the aerial photography sets in the Libraries.
- Most of the UW Libraries’ aerial photographs are located in the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) unit on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library.
- Aerial photos are not available digitally
- Flight line indexes for each aerial project may be needed to identify individual photos.
Aerial Photo Finder
Use the online aerial photo finder to identify if we have a photo set that covers your area of interest. Works best with Firefox browser.
Access Aerial Photography
No, aerial photos cannot be borrowed. Aerial photography is restricted to in-library-use only.
Yes, use flatbed scanning machines located in Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers (GMMN) to make digital (.gif, .jpg, .pdf) files.