Because of that human involvement, maps become historical sources for both understanding the world and the people looking at it. Maps (like the 15th c. Kangnido map or 17th c. Pierre Du Val maps to the right) are, in short, one of the fascinating avenues for studying historical world views.
On this page, you will find links to large map collections in various digital repositories around the world. These collections focus on worlds, state, and regions. Be aware that local repositories--not featured here--can be excellent places to find town and regional maps. For resources on maps as a part of Digital Scholarship (DS), visit BC's Digital Scholarship portal.
This page has a lot on it. You can use the following anchors (links down the page) to jump straight to a relevant box.
The databases listed here are just the beginning of our statistical and spatial data collections. See the Digital Scholarship Portal for a more complete list.
Remember to check broader collections for more maps. Check out BC Libraries' Urban History Guide for city plans and architectural designs.