Printed Maps and Aerial Photographs
The map resources of the University of Arkansas Libraries are found in several different locations within Mullins Library, depending on the types of maps. Aerial photographs are part of Special Collections, and are limited in coverage to Arkansas.
Printed Maps
The majority of printed maps are maintained in the Map Collection and MAIN-Map Cases, located on Level 4 of Mullins Library. The maps include U.S. Topographic Maps, Geologic Maps, and World Maps. Most of these maps are from government depository sources, and are managed through Government Documents. Arkansas maps are housed separately, including many historical maps, within Special Collections on Level 1. A selective collection of state highway and U.S. city maps, along with country and city maps from around the world, is found at the Reference Desk on the Lobby Level (2). Current world atlases and select thematic atlases are also located in the Reference Department. Assistance with map resources is available through the Reference Desk, with specialized questions referred to the Geosciences/Maps Librarian. Arkansas-related map questions are addressed through Special Collections.
U.S. Topographic Maps...
...show the shape and elevation of the terrain using contour lines and name prominent natural and cultural features. The topographic maps for the United States are produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, with the 7.5 Minute series offering the greatest detail and complete coverage for the country (over 57,000 map sheets). Other series with map sheets that cover larger areas with less detail are also available. The topographic map series are housed in the map cases (MAP COLL – CASES) in the Map Collection (Level 4 east). The large collection of 7.5 Minute maps is organized by state and map sheet name. A map index is placed in the top drawer of each state. For more information, see our handout on U.S. Topographic Maps (PDF).
Geologic Maps...
...show the composition and structure of earth materials and their distribution across and beneath the Earth’s surface. A number of different geologic thematic map and chart series have been created by the U.S. Geological Survey. The various geologic maps are organized in the filing cabinets (MAP COLL – FILE CAB) by series, in the Map Collection (Level 4 east). For more information, see our handout on Geologic Maps (PDF).
World Maps...
...provide coverage by continents, regions, countries, and states, and by subjects of topographic, transportation, geologic, and other natural and manmade features. Most are government-produced map series, including earlier depository items. The World Maps section is found on Level 4 west in the map cases (MAIN – MAP CASES) and are arranged in LC call number order (by geographic location). Current world atlases and some travel maps are part of the Reference Department on Level 2. For more information, see our handout on World Maps (PDF).
Arkansas Maps...
...relate to the history, culture, and development of Arkansas and neighboring regions. A sizeable collection of maps is part of the Arkansas Collection, within the Special Collections Department on Level 1. The maps date back to the eighteenth century, and range from broad (statewide) to specific area (local) coverage. A map may be an individual item or part of a series, such as the General Highway Maps of counties. Most maps of the Arkansas Collection have been cataloged, with records in InfoLinks. For more information, see our handout on Arkansas Maps (PDF).
Aerial Photographs
Aerial photographs of Arkansas are available only of scattered coverage and limited years, within the Special Collections Department. Most of the aerial photographs are organized by county; a few sets are organized by watersheds. Specific photographic frames can be noted using flightline indexes, when available. Aerial photographs are managed as manuscript collections, and can be identified through finding aids and indexes.
From the Special Collections Web site, one can search for aerial photographs through Manuscript Collections > Finding Aids and Descriptions. Go to “A” as a quick jump, and locate Aerial Photographs of Arkansas (MC 735, 889, 935, 1080). An index to county sets is provided. Sets of aerial photographs that are not fully processed will not appear in this index. For more information, see the description about the collection and the index online: Aerial Photographs of Arkansas.
Contact Special Collections staff for further assistance with aerial photographs.
