Atlases are bound volumes of maps organized around a common theme such as geography, history, climate, population, or economics, and often supplemented with charts, graphs, and explanatory text. At the Mary B. Ansari Map Library, they cover subjects ranging from historic trails and geology to planetary surfaces like Mars, offering broad perspectives on spatial data and patterns for research, teaching, and general reference.

Atlases can be found in the Map Reference section of the Map Library, as well as in the oversized sections of the general book stacks at DeLaMare Library.

• Historical Atlas of the United States
• International Boundaries: a Geopolitical Atlas
• Nevada Atlas & Gazetteer: Roads, Recreation Sites, GPS Grids
• Reno/Sparks Carson City Street Atlas

Gazetteers are geographical reference works or indexes that list and describe place names, often including information such as location coordinates, administrative divisions, population, elevation, and historical context. They are commonly used alongside maps and atlases to help identify and locate cities, towns, natural features, and other geographic entities. Gazetteers are valuable tools for researchers, cartographers, and anyone needing detailed information about places worldwide.

Gazetteers can be found in the Map Reference section of the Map Library and in the oversized sections of the general collection book stacks at DeLaMare Library.

• The Cambridge gazetteer of the United States and Canada: a dictionary of places
• Directory of geographic names [in Nevada]
• The Nevada rock finder: a gazetteer of Nevada rock collecting areas

The GSA maps and charts series includes scholarly maps and visual data produced to support geoscience research and education. These maps often accompany GSA publications and cover topics such as structural geology, stratigraphy, tectonics, and paleogeography. Designed for academic and professional use, the series provides detailed, peer-reviewed cartographic resources for understanding Earth’s geologic history and processes.

GSA maps and charts can be found in the Map Reference section of the Map Library at DeLaMare Library.

A guidebook provides information about an area or topic, typically intended for visitors or tourists. These can vary greatly, and may contain information on points of interest in a region or geologic information depending on the emphasis. These items are found in the Book Stacks and at the Knowledge Center.

• Interior western United States
• Scenic guide to Nevada
• Roadside geology of Nevada

CIA maps provide geopolitical, geographic, and thematic information for analysis and public reference. These maps often include political boundaries, physical features, population data, and global trends and are designed to be clear and informative. Many are published through the CIA World Factbook and serve educational, research, and policy-related purposes.

CIA maps can be found in binders in the Map Reference section of the Map Library at DeLaMare Library.

Navigational charts are specialized maps designed to support safe and accurate travel by sea or air. They provide critical information, such as coastlines, water depths, hazards, airways, navigational aids, and topographic features relevant to both marine and aerial navigation. Used by mariners, pilots, and military personnel, these charts are essential tools for route planning, positioning, and avoiding obstacles during transit.

• Global Navigational Planning Charts – large-scale aviation maps designed to assist pilots and flight planners with long-distance, transoceanic, and intercontinental route planning. These charts, produced by the FAA and NGA agencies, show major air routes, navigational aids, communication data, and geopolitical boundaries across broad regions.
• Jet Navigational Charts – specialized aeronautical maps designed for high-altitude, high-speed aircraft navigation. They are primarily used by military and defense aviation. Produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), these charts cover large areas at a scale of 1:2,000,000 and display air routes, navigational aids, terrain features, and elevation data.
• Operational Navigational Charts – are medium-scale aeronautical maps used primarily by military and aviation personnel for navigation and mission planning. Produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), ONCs are typically at a scale of 1:1,000,000 and provide detailed information on topography, cultural features, air navigation data, and hazards.
• Tactical Pilot Charts are medium-scale aeronautical maps designed for low-altitude, high-speed military flight operations. Produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), TPCs are typically at a 1:500,000 scale and include detailed information on terrain, elevation, air navigation features, obstacles, and cultural landmarks.

Navigational charts can be found in the Map Reference section of the Map Library at DeLaMare Library.

Drawers A1 - A42

Our continent, regional, and country maps collection features an extensive range of maps that highlight areas worldwide. The collection includes climate, geologic, geographic, mining, political, and other thematic maps that provide detailed insights into specific continents, regions, and countries. These maps support a wide range of research, educational, and exploration needs by showcasing the unique features and resources of different areas worldwide.

Drawers A43 - A47

Our maps of the United States collection features a diverse range of maps that illustrate the various landscapes and characteristics of the United States, including geologic, climatic, geographic, political, and other thematic maps. These maps serve as valuable resources for research, education, and exploring the nation’s natural and cultural features.

Drawers A48 - A50

Our World Maps collection features a diverse range of maps representing the entire globe at various scales. The collection includes geologic, climatic, geographic, political, and thematic maps, providing valuable insights into the natural and human-made features of the world. These maps support research, teaching, and exploration by providing visual insights into global patterns and phenomena.

Drawers A51- A69, A77-B43

The Army Map Service (AMS) was the U.S. Army’s primary cartographic agency from 1941 to 1968, responsible for producing topographic maps and geographic data to support military operations worldwide. In 1972, its functions were absorbed by the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), which expanded its role to provide comprehensive mapping, charting, and geodesy support for the U.S. Department of Defense. Both agencies produced highly detailed maps, including topographic, aeronautical, and nautical charts, which are still widely used in research, navigation, and historical studies today.

• Collection Index from UC Berkeley

Drawers A70 - A76

The British Army’s cartographic division produced GSGS maps for military use during both World War I and World War II. Known for their accuracy and detail, these maps cover regions worldwide, including topographic features such as elevation, terrain, transportation networks, and landmarks. Produced at various scales, often 1:50,000 or 1:250,000, GSGS maps were designed for strategic and tactical planning but have become valuable resources for researchers in geography, history, archaeology, and environmental studies.

• Collection Index from UC Berkeley

Drawers B44 - B46

A set of paper nautical charts published by the U.S. Hydrographic Office (U.S. Navy), dating roughly from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Coverage includes U.S. coasts and international waters, with mixed editions and scales. These maps and charts provided detailed information on coastlines, ocean depths, currents, tides, and other nautical features essential for naval and commercial shipping. Charts are arranged by H.O. chart number. Retained for historical research in hydrography, maritime history, and cartographic practice; not current or suitable for navigation. (Incomplete collection)

Drawer B47

PAIGH maps were produced under an intergovernmental organization established in 1928 to promote cooperation among countries in the Americas in cartography, geography, history, and geophysics. These maps often focus on standardizing geographic information and improving the quality and consistency of mapping across Latin America and the Caribbean. PAIGH maps are valuable for regional planning, scientific research, and historical studies, offering detailed representations of political boundaries, natural resources, and geographic features throughout the Americas.

Drawer B48

Maps from various publishers cover a wide range of regions, including oceans and airspace.

• Aeronautical charts are specialized maps designed to support aviation navigation. They provide detailed information on airspace structure, navigational aids, airports, topography, obstructions, and other critical data necessary for the safe operation of aircraft. 
• Bathymetric charts are specialized maps that depict the underwater topography of ocean floors, seas, and large lakes. They use contour lines (called depth contours or isobaths) and color gradients to represent water depths and the shape of the seafloor, including features like trenches, ridges, and seamounts. These charts are essential for marine navigation, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration, providing critical information for submarine operations, undersea cable laying, and fisheries management.

Drawers B49 - B50

LORAN international charts are specialized maps that helped sailors and pilots navigate using the LORAN system, a radio-based navigation method developed in the mid-1900s. These charts show areas covered by LORAN signals and help users determine their location by using signals from different transmitters. Before GPS became widely available, LORAN charts were essential for long-distance navigation, especially over oceans and in remote regions.

Drawers B51 - B95

NOAA Nautical Charts are detailed maps that support safe marine navigation in U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and major rivers. These charts provide essential information, including water depths, shoreline features, hazards, navigation aids, anchorages, and maritime boundaries. Used by mariners, commercial shipping, and recreational boaters, NOAA nautical charts are critical tools for ensuring safe and efficient travel on the water.

• NOAA Chart Locator for up-to-date NOAA Charts

Drawers C1 - C9

USGS Topographic 1:250,000 scale maps are large-area maps that cover extensive regions, typically spanning about 4 degrees of longitude by 1 to 2 degrees of latitude. These maps display topographic features, including contour lines, elevation, hydrography, roads, and populated areas, offering a general overview of the terrain and land use. They are commonly used for regional planning, environmental studies, and resource management, as well as by travelers or researchers needing a broad geographic context. The dates of the paper maps are from the 1940s to the 1980s.

• TopoView- official USGS map locator and download site

Drawers C10 - C23

The USGS 1:100,000-scale topographic maps are intermediate-scale maps covering areas of approximately 30 minutes of latitude by 60 minutes of longitude. These maps provide detailed information on natural and human-made features, including contour lines for elevation, rivers, lakes, roads, boundaries, and land cover. They are widely used for resource management, environmental monitoring, land-use planning, outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting, regional overview, and local detail. The printed maps are from the 1960s to the 1990s.

• TopoView- official USGS map locator and download site

Drawers C24 - C42

BLM 1:100,000 scale maps are detailed maps that focus on public land boundaries and land ownership in addition to topographic features. These maps display surface management areas, indicating federal, state, private, and tribal lands, along with roads, trails, waterways, and elevation contours. They are commonly used for outdoor recreation, land-use planning, and resource management, as well as by hunters, ranchers, and anyone needing accurate information about land status and access to public lands. The printed maps are from the 1960s to the present.

• BLM Maps Online

Drawers C45

The BLM Wilderness Maps provide detailed coverage of federally designated wilderness areas across Nevada and the western United States. These maps highlight boundaries of wilderness units, topographic features, land status, access points, and recreation opportunities. They serve hikers, researchers, and land managers who require accurate information about protected public lands. This collection is especially valuable for studying land use, conservation policy, and environmental history, as well as for supporting outdoor recreation and stewardship.

Drawers C46

The Desert Access Guide (DAG) Maps are a series of large-format maps produced by the BLM to help the public explore Nevada’s desert lands. Covering broad regions of the state, these maps emphasize roads, trails, recreation sites, land ownership, and access points across BLM-managed lands.

The Desert Access Guide maps are especially valuable for off-highway vehicles (OHV), hunters, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable navigation in remote desert areas. They also highlight topographic features, public land boundaries, and significant landmarks, making them a practical resource for both recreation and land management.

Drawers C56 - C59

USGS Topographic County Sheets are early topographic maps produced by the United States Geological Survey that depict entire counties on single sheets. Created between the 1970s and 1990s, the maps vary in scale, typically ranging from 1:50,000 to 1:100,000, and some editions utilize metric units. They show elevation, hydrography, roads, towns, and other natural and cultural features, offering a historical snapshot of the American landscape during the early years of systematic topographic mapping.

Drawer C60

USGS Topographic Metric Maps at a 1:25,000 scale are highly detailed topographic maps that use the metric system for measurements and contours. At this scale, 1 centimeter on the map corresponds to 250 meters on the ground, making it especially useful for precise scientific, engineering, and land management work. These maps show elevation through closely spaced contour lines and include natural and man-made features such as terrain, water bodies, vegetation, roads, and buildings.

They were part of a limited effort, mainly in the 1970s - 1990s, to align U.S. mapping with international standards using metric units.

Drawers C64-C68

The Nevada 15-minute Quadrangle Series is a collection of topographic maps produced by the USGS that cover the state of Nevada in 15-minute quadrangles, each map spanning 15 minutes of latitude by 15 minutes of longitude. Most of these maps are at a scale of 1:62,500, providing detailed coverage of elevation (via contour lines), hydrography, mining districts, roads, railroads, and other geographic and cultural features. 

This series was essential for mapping Nevada’s vast and often remote landscapes and was widely used from the early 1930s through the 1950s before being gradually replaced by the more detailed 7.5-minute series. The Nevada 15-minute maps remain valuable for historical research, land use studies, and understanding changes in the region’s natural and built environments over time.

• TopoView- official USGS map locator and download site

Drawers C70-C96

The Nevada 7.5-minute Quadrangle Series collection contains detailed topographic maps produced by the USGS, which cover the state in 7.5-minute quadrangles. Each map represents 7.5 minutes of latitude by 7.5 minutes of longitude. At a 1:24,000 scale, these maps provide highly detailed representations of Nevada’s diverse terrain, showing contour lines, mountains, valleys, water features, roads, towns, and other cultural landmarks.

This series began in the 1950s and gradually replaced the older 15-minute series, offering greater accuracy for outdoor recreation, scientific research, land management, and environmental planning.

• TopoView - official USGS map locator and download site for current and historical topo maps

Drawers C97-C110

The Nevada map collections include a wide range of state and regional maps produced by commercial and state agencies such as the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), and the USGS. These maps cover highways, mining, geology, hydrology, land use, recreation, environmental studies, indigenous territories, and more, offering valuable insights into the state’s natural, cultural, and infrastructural landscapes.

• Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)
  • County
  • General highway
  • Topical
• Nevada Historical Sheets (USGS)
• Mining Districts and Mineral Deposits (U.S. Bureau of Mines and USGS)
• Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG)
  • Environmental and Urban Series, Open File Reports, Bulletins, Special Publications, and Map Series.
• Hydrology and Lakes
• Recreation Maps, Land Use and Management Maps
• Geologic and Geothermal, NV Base Maps, EDA Eco Regions
• Climate and Vegetation Maps, Nevada Indigenous Peoples Maps

Drawers D1 - D30

*USGS 15- and 7.5-minute Quadrangle Map Series

The USGS 15-and 7.5-minute series are topographic quadrangle maps created to map the entire United States. They are designed for a variety of uses, including hiking, engineering, land management, environmental studies, and outdoor recreation, providing an accurate and comprehensive view of the terrain. 

• The 15-minute maps are 1:62,500 scale and were discontinued in the 1950s.
• The 7.5-minute maps are on a 1:24,000 scale and were produced from 1947 to the present.

The paper collection is from the 1940s to the 1990s. All historical and current Topo maps of California can be accessed through USGS topoView.

Drawers D1 - D35

The California miscellaneous map collections encompass a range of maps that highlight the state’s physical and cultural landscapes. Topics include land use, mining, geology, base and relief mapping, and historical topographic sheets, offering valuable resources for research, education, and historical reference.

Drawers D39 - E130

*USGS 15- and 7.5-minute Series

The USGS 15- and 7.5-minute series are topographic quadrangle maps created to map the entire United States. They are designed for a variety of uses, including hiking, engineering, land management, environmental studies, and outdoor recreation, providing an accurate and comprehensive view of the terrain.

• The 15-minute maps, which are 1:62,500 scale, were produced from the late 19^th century through the 1950s.
• The 7.5-minute maps, which are 1:24,000 scale, were produced from the 1950s to the present, completely mapping the contiguous United States and Hawai’i

The paper collection dates from the 1940s to the 1990s. All historical and current Topo maps can be accessed through USGS topoView.

Miscellaneous Maps

The miscellaneous U.S. state maps include a variety of historical, geological, and land use maps for each state. These maps provide unique insights into state-level development, natural resources, and environmental change, supporting research in history, geology, planning, and conservation.

• BLM Maps Online

Drawers F1 - F54

The USGS Vertical Files collection includes maps from various USGS research projects and investigations, organized alphanumerically by series. This collection features specialized maps that cover geology, hydrology, geophysics, mineral resources, coal investigations, and unique materials, including Antarctic research maps and geologic quadrangles. This collection includes:

• Antarctic
• Coal Investigations
• Geophysical Investigations
• Geologic Quads
• Hydrologic Atlas
• Geologic Investigations
• Field Studies
• Mineral Management Service/Mineral Resources
• Scientific Investigation Reports and Maps

Drawers F56 - F85

The Miscellaneous State Vertical Files include maps and reports from various state geological and mining agencies, as well as proprietary companies. These materials cover a wide range of topics, including mineral resources, land use, geology, and environmental studies, offering valuable insights into the natural history and development of individual states.

• *CALIFORNIA (F58 – F61) includes California Geologic Survey Dibblie Geologic Foundations & Bouguer Gravity Atlas Maps.
• NEVADA (F68 – F 76) includes NBMG maps, reports, and Historical FEMA flood maps.
• *All other U.S. drawers include some reports and publications from state geologic or mining agencies.

Drawers G1 - G20

The USDA Forest Service produces U.S. Forest Service Maps to support navigation, land management, and recreation on national forest lands. These maps display roads, trails, campgrounds, topography, forest boundaries, and natural features, making them essential for outdoor activities and understanding public land use.

Drawer G41

U.S. Forest Service Small Maps are simplified, compact maps designed for quick reference and easy use. They typically highlight key features such as forest boundaries, major roads, recreation areas, and points of interest, often focusing on a specific region or forest district. These maps are helpful for trip planning, visitor information, and general orientation, especially for casual users or travelers.

Drawer G32

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maps are produced to support civil and military engineering projects related to water resources and infrastructure. These maps often depict rivers, lakes, dams, levees, navigation channels, flood zones, and shoreline structures, and are used for planning, construction, environmental management, and navigation purposes. They provide valuable insights into the Corps’ work in managing the nation’s waterways and related land areas.

Drawers G24 - G26

Maps corresponding to various USGS publications, including Fact Sheets, General Information Products, Circulars, Professional Papers, Scientific Investigations Reports, Scientific Investigations Maps, Data Reports, Techniques and Methods, and Open-File Reports.

Drawers G33 - G35

U.S. National Parks, Monuments, and Sites Maps showcase the natural, historical, and cultural features of protected areas managed by the National Park Service and other federal agencies. These maps include park boundaries, trails, roads, visitor facilities, topography, and points of interest serving educational and recreational purposes. They help visitors explore and understand the unique landscapes and heritage preserved across the United States.

Drawer G36

Extraterrestrial Maps include detailed cartographic representations of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies beyond Earth. Produced by agencies such as NASA and the USGS, these maps depict surface features, including craters, mountains, valleys, and landing sites, often utilizing imagery and data from space missions. They support planetary science, exploration planning, and public education about the solar system.

Drawers G37- G39

Tactile Relief Maps at a 1:125,000 scale are specially designed raised maps that allow users, particularly those with visual impairments, to explore geographic features through touch. At this scale, they provide a broad terrain view, highlighting elevation changes, landforms, and significant physical features. These maps are valuable tools for inclusive education, accessibility, and spatial learning through tactile engagement.

Drawer G40

The Posters, Charts & Views collection includes visually engaging materials that present geographic, geologic, environmental, and scientific information. This collection features educational posters, panoramic views, thematic charts, and illustrated maps for display, outreach, and public education.