Research and tools

• Anthamatten, P. (2021). How to make maps : an introduction to theory and practice of cartography. Routledge.
• Blando, J. (2015). How to draw fantasy art and RPG maps : step-by step cartography for gamers and fans (First edition.). Impact.
• Mattina, A. (2015). Maps for fantasy creatives : 50 inspiring templates to sketch and plan your locations. [Publisher not identified].
• Corbin, T. (2018). ArcGIS Pro 2. x Cookbook : Create, Manage, and Share Geographic Maps, Data, and Analytical Models Using ArcGIS Pro. (1st ed.). Packt Publishing, Limited.
• Robinson, A. H. (1995). Elements of cartography (Sixth edition.). Wiley.
• Monmonier, M. S. (2018). How to lie with maps (Third edition.). The University of Chicago Press.
• Engberg-Pedersen, A. (Ed.). (2017). Literature and cartography : theories, histories, genres. The MIT Press.

• Cartographic Principles
  • Map Design: Understand design principles such as balance, contrast, and hierarchy to create visually appealing and effective maps.
  • Map Elements: Know how to use and place essential map elements like legends, scales, and north arrows.

• Map Projections
  • Projection Types: Be familiar with different map projections (e.g., Mercator, Robinson, Albers) and their distortions.
  • Selection Criteria: Know how to select an appropriate projection based on the map's purpose and the region it covers.

• Geographic Coordinate Systems
  • Latitude and Longitude: Understand how to work with geographic coordinate systems and how to convert between different coordinate systems.
  • Datums: Be aware of different geodetic datums and their impact on map accuracy.

• Cartographic Software and Tools
  • GIS Software: Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis and map creation.
  • Graphic Design Software: Skills in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) for enhancing map aesthetics.
  • Remote Sensing Tools: Familiarity with tools for working with satellite and aerial imagery.

Explore the UNR GIS Library Guide to learn more about GIS software available across campus.

Visit the DataWorks Labs and Data & GIS Depot to see what specialty computers and software are accessible through the University Libraries.

• ColorBrewer 2.0: Color Advice for Cartography and Maps
  • ColorBrewer is an online tool for selecting map color schemes based on palettes created by Cynthia Brewer. It suggests color schemes. (Wikipedia)
• FontJoy - Font pairing made simple
  • Fontjoy helps designers choose the best font combinations. Mix and match different font tools for perfect pairing.
• TPGi - Color Contrast Analyzer and Checker
  • TPGI’s ADA Color Contract Checker helps determine the accessibility of the contrast ratio of two colors for WCAG AA and AAA

Before diving into a map search, it’s helpful to understand the basic components of maps:

• Title & Legend: Explain what the map shows and decode its symbols
• Scale: Shows the relationship between map distances and real-world distances
• Coordinates & Grids: Help you locate places using latitude/longitude or grid systems
• Orientation: Indicates direction—check the compass rose for north
• Map Type: Understand whether it’s topographic, thematic, political, etc.

Additional helpful online resources:

• Reading Maps, Maps 101 (Stanford University Libraries)
• How do I understand and use map scales? (University of Arizona, University Libraries)
• Glossary of Cartographic Terms (Perry- Castañeda Library Map Collection, UT-Austin Libraries)

• Using the Library Catalog: Use the online catalog to search for maps that have been cataloged. Apply vocabulary such as “Lake Tahoe AND Map,” “topographic maps AND Nevada,” or “Yerington, Nevada.” To refine to MAPS only, use the filters to Refine My Results, under Resource Type, and select MAPS. Catalog records will include drawer location information to help you identify where to request or find the map.
  • Be Specific: Use terms like “historic maps of Nevada,” “mineral resources maps,” or “land use maps” instead of general words like “maps.”
  • Combine Keywords: Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) for more refined results—e.g., “climate maps AND Southwest,” “environment AND Nevada,” or “map OR sheet.”
• Uncataloged or “Hidden” Collections: Many maps in the collection are not yet included in the library catalog but are organized on-site by region, series, theme, or topic. Accessing these materials typically requires an in-person visit and assistance from map library staff.
• Accessing Rare and Historical Maps: Many rare, fragile, and historical items, including Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps and other specialized manuscript maps, are housed in Special Collections and University Archives at the Knowledge Center. Historical topographic maps, mining maps, and sheet maps are available in the Mary B. Ansari Map Library.

• Digital Collections: Many historic and rare maps are available online through the library’s Nevada and Great Basin Digital Maps Collection, which provides access to high-resolution scans of maps documenting the geography, geology, land use, and settlement patterns of Nevada and the surrounding Great Basin region. This growing collection includes 19th- and 20th-century survey maps, topographic maps, mining maps, and more, offering a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and the public interested in the region’s environmental and historical development.
• Special Collections and University Archives at University Libraries: Rare, fragile, or unique cartographic materials, such as manuscript maps, field notes, and early atlases, are preserved in Special Collections and University Archives dept, located at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. These items are often not fully cataloged or digitized, so researchers are encouraged to search the Archives catalog or consult the archives staff for access to these materials.

• Atlases: Bound collections of thematic or geographic maps
• Gazetteers: Geographic dictionaries that help identify and locate place names (e.g., USGS GNIS)
• Map Indexes: Help users locate specific sheets in multi-part map series
• Databases: Include government map portals and specialized archives

• Ask a Map Librarian: They can help you navigate collections, interpret catalog records, and suggest useful sources.
• Get Recommendations: Library staff can direct you to databases, indexes, or unique holdings that you might otherwise overlook.