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News

WAML News

  • Save the date: October 31 - November 3, 2013 for the WAML annual meeting.

    The Western Association of Map Libraries will hold its annual meeting October 31 through November 3, 2013 at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite National Park. The focus of this year’s program is setting a vision for the future of the organization along with engaging presentations related to geographic information and mapping from local presenters, and presentations from WAML members.

    Additionally, there are plans for a mapping activity where the group will update OpenStreetMap for the area around Tenaya Lodge, a GIS unconference, and an all day field trip to Yosemite National Park.

    Come join us in Yosemite this fall!

    More logistic and registration details will be available soon.

    Please contact John Ridener with questions: jridener@gmail.com.

    Thanks,

    John Ridener

    • WAML President, 2012-2013

  • A request from Tamsen Hert: In preparation for our meeting in Yosemite I have come up with a project that uses maps and something that Tami Morse and I would like to surprise you with in Yosemite. So, if any of you have any tattered California highway maps or more specifically, topos maps of any scale for the Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon regions, I would love to have them. This project covers the counties of Mariposa, Tuolumne and Mono. Please contact Tamsen (thert@uwyo.edu) for a list of quads needed.

  • Pictures added to WAML 40th anniversary set on Flickr:

    Katie added photo collages to the WAML 40th anniversary set on Flickr for meetings held in the fall in 1989, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 2001.  Ron Whistance-Smith took the pictures, his widow Rena sent them to me, someone at my library scanned them, and I made the collages.  Most of the meetings have two pages of collages.  See them at:

    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/waml/sets/72157603234102717/ 

    Kathy Rankin
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries

Other News

  • ALA MAGIRT's second webinar, Maps for Kids: Online Resources for K-12 Geography Education with Carol McAuliffe from the University of Florida, was recorded and is available here:

    http://connect.ala.org/node/205579

    The handout includes a lot of great resources for kids and adults:

    Maps for Kids: Online Resources for K-12 Geography Education Selected Resources

  • The USGS unviels TopoView -- a gateway to the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection:

    • Speaking on behalf of all NGMDB project colleagues, it's a distinct honor to invite you to the new "TopoView" site.  Why is it an honor? Because TopoView highlights what many consider to be the USGS's flagship product, the topographic map.

    TopoView is intended to serve the immediate need for the older, conventionally printed topographic maps to become easily searched, viewed, and downloaded.  The ~163,000 maps available through this interface were scanned by the USGS Historical Topographic Mapping Collection (HTMC) project.

    In terms of design, TopoView is an outgrowth of the NGMDB's MapView application.  It was developed with guidance and support of the HTMC project, and the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP), and we're grateful for their cooperation and support.

    TopoView was developed relatively quickly and may continue to evolve in cooperation with the NGP.  We're not yet sure where it's headed, but here are some possible directions it might take:
    -  extending TopoView to also show current (and superseded) maps that are produced by the US TOPO project
    -  providing links to downloadable geoTIFFs, and map sales
    -  replacing bounding boxes with historical quadrangle map images
    -  providing access to any paper topographic maps missing from this Collection that may, in the future, be found and scanned.

    --David R. Soller, USGS

  • Also from the USGS:

    USGS The National Map Topographic Data are now available on mobile devices that are using the Android or iOS operating system

    Android and iPhone users can now use their mobile devices as digital topo maps, leveraging USGS maps together with the power of GPS to zoom in on their precise location while hiking, biking, running, or any other activity that benefits from precision navigation. The type of data that are available includes USGS imagery and topographic maps from The National Map, as well as road and contour layers.  
    Currently, two Android applications are using USGS data, OruxMaps (http://www.oruxmaps.com/index_en.html) and AlpineQuest (http://alpinequest.psyberia.net/). These apps include USGS services in the list of available online maps.
    For users that may be navigating in an area that is outside of cell phone coverage, Mobile Atlas Creator (http://mobac.sourceforge.net/) is allowing users of this desktop application to build small "mobile atlases" with USGS data. These "mobile atlases" can be built over any area of interest at multiple scales, and when completed, the small file is moved to the phone. The "mobile atlases" enable GPS applications on both iPhone and Android mobile devices. By storing this small amount of data on the phone, these "mobile atlases" ensure the topographic data is available even when cell coverage is not.
    Users of mobile devices can use USGS data on their GPS-enabled phones to track their adventure or workout. This capability is new, and promises to increase awareness and use of USGS data and services, as well as increase demand for US Topos.
    To use TNM data on your Android device:

    1. Install either OruxMaps or AlpineQuest via Google Play App Store. 
    2. USGS TNM data is available through these two applications as a dynamic, online layer. 
    3. Switch map sources to view either TNM Topo or Satellite data through the application. 
    4. OruxMaps manual available online in PDF format.
    5. More information on Alpine Quest is available online.

    To use TNM data on your iOS device:

    1. Install Galileo on your iPhone or iPad via iTunes App Store.
    2. Build offline map file(s) on MOBAC (instructions below).
    3. Move files to iPad or iPhone.

    To build map files that will allow an Android or iPhone to use USGS TNM data when data connectivity is not available:

    1. Download the MOBAC desktop application (Mobile Atlas Builder). 
    2. Unzip the downloaded file, and activate the "Mobile Atlas Creator.exe" file. 
    3. Users can then indicate the mobile application they are using (Galileo, AlpineQuest, etc) , and highlight an area of interest to build an offline map file. 
    4. Select the appropriate scales.
    5. Select "Create Atlas", and move resulting folder (and map data) to the appropriate folder on the mobile phone.
    6. More information on using MOBAC is available through the "Quick Start Manual".

    The USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) is continuing to work with mobile developers, to ensure our data are available to the public.
    Disclaimer: Any use of trade, firm or product names does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.  No warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS or the U.S. Government as to the accuracy and functioning of the commercial software programs cited in this Technical Announcement, and the U.S. Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the USGS National Map Topographic Data employing these software programs.

  • Digital Public Library of America Announces Partnership with David Rumsey Map Collection

April 30, 2013

Cambridge, MA — The Digital Public Library of America is pleased to announce it is partnering with the David Rumsey Map Collection to provide online access to tens of thousands of significant historical maps and images. As part of the relationship, David Rumsey will provide metadata for over 38,000 maps and images, making the entirety of his notable online collection instantly accessible via the DPLA website and API­.

A couple prominent examples of items from the Rumsey collections available through the DPLA are The Eagle Map of the United States, produced by Joseph and James Churchman, Philadelphia, 1833, (view on the DPLA), and the Map of Lewis and Clark's Track, Across the Western Portion of North America, produced in 1814 (view on the DPLA). Other noteworthy items from Rumsey’s collections range from maps found in historic atlases to images of three-dimensional objects such as globes.

“I am very excited to have my digital library of historical maps added to the DPLA,” Rumsey said. “Maps tell stories that complement texts, images, and other resources found in the growing DPLA library. And the open content policies of my online library fit perfectly with DPLA’s mission to make cultural resources freely available to all. I see DPLA as reinvigorating the role of public libraries in educating children and adults in the digital age. I hope that my participation can serve as an example to others with private collections to share them with the public through the DPLA. Private collectors have always helped to build libraries and now they can do the same with digital cultural assets.”

“David Rumsey's incredible collection of historical maps is one of the great private collections in the United States,” added DPLA Executive Director Dan Cohen. “What he has been able to assemble and make broadly available is simply astonishing. It is an honor to have these maps as part of the DPLA, and together to help others discover what their communities looked like in the past. We thank David for his generosity.”

Rumsey, President of Cartography Associates, a digital publishing company based in San Francisco, began building a collection of North and South American historical maps and related cartographic materials in 1980. His collection, with more than 150,000 maps, is one of the largest private map collections in the United States. In 1995, Rumsey began the task of making his collection public by building the online David Rumsey Historical Map Collection. Currently the online web site has over 38,000 high-resolution images of maps from his collection.
In 2009, Rumsey committed to donating his entire collection – both physical and digital – to Stanford University, which is currently creating an all-new Map Center to house it.

Rumsey’s online collection of maps is free to the public and is updated monthly. All of the online maps are searchable via the DPLA.

About the Digital Public Library of America
The Digital Public Library of America brings together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, and museums, and makes them freely available to the world. It strives to contain the full breadth of human expression, from the written word, to works of art and culture, to records of America’s heritage, to the efforts and data of science. The DPLA aims to expand this crucial realm of openly available materials, and make those riches more easily discovered and more widely usable and used. More information is online at http://dp.la.

About the David Rumsey Map Collection
The David Rumsey Map Collection was started over 25 years ago and contains more than 150,000 maps. The collection focuses on rare 18th and 19th century maps of North and South America, although it also has maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The collection includes atlases, wall maps, globes, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials including pocket, wall, children's, and manuscript maps. Items range in date from about 1700 to 1950s. More information is online at http://www.davidrumsey.com/about/about.

Future WAML Meetings:

Conferences, Classes & Exhibitions

  • ALA’s Map and Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT) presents:

    Maps the RDA Way: Come catalog a map with us!

    RDA has arrived!  So have changes large and small from AACR2. However, you need not fear!

    Experienced map catalogers and long-time MAGIRT members Paige Andrew and Susan Moore are prepared to assist those catalogers wanting to (or just plain needing to!) learn about RDA-based changes to cataloging cartographic materials.  Participants will create brief records for two maps using an RDA work form.  You will receive a free National Geographic Costa Rica Adventure Map http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/product/maps/travel-and-hiking-maps/adventure-world-maps/costa-rica-adventure-map and a color copy of a CIA map. You will be guided through the descriptive process, and leave having cataloged two maps!

    Day & Time: Saturday, June 29th, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

    Place: InterContinental Chicago - 505 N. Michigan Ave.

    Room: Seville East (INTER-Seville East)

    Co-Presenters: Paige G. Andrew - Maps Cataloging Librarian, Pennsylvania State University Susan Moore - Cataloging Librarian/Bibliographer, University of Northern Iowa

    For more information about the program and related resources, visit MAGIRT’s new Map and Geospatial Resources Guide at: http://magirt.ala.libguides.com/trainingsandpresentations

  • Maps and the Geospatial Revolution is a five week massive open online course (MOOC) beginning July 17th. Instructor Anthony C. Robinson is from the Department of Geography at Pennsylvania State University. Learn how advances in geospatial technology and analytical methods have changed how we do everything, and discover how to make maps and analyze geographic patterns using the latest tools.

  • CALL FOR PAPERS – 2013 GSIS/GSA Annual Meeting

    It’s time to start considering ideas or projects to present at this year’s GSIS topical sessions at the GSA Annual Meeting, which will be held October 27 - 30, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. This year GSIS is planning to have an oral technical session and a poster session. The session titles are:

    GSIS Topical Session, “T144. Global Vision: Geoscience Information for the Future (Posters)."
    GSIS Topical Session, “T140. Confronting Complexity: Rethinking the Future of Geoscience Information."

    Abstracts are due August 6, so start thinking about participating now!
    Information on the technical sessions and submitting abstracts can be found at:

    http://community.geosociety.org/2013AnnualMeeting/Sessions

    For more information in the GSA Annual Meeting, visit the meeting website at:

    http://community.geosociety.org/2013AnnualMeeting/Home

    If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Winkler at hannah.winkler@stanford.edu or Linda Zellmer, LR-Zellmer@wiu.edu

  • The 1st Annual Chicago International Map Fair will take place September 28-29, 2013. Register by July 1, 2013 for free admission. The fair will feature nearly 20 dealers from the U.S. and Europe and include three lectures provided by the Chicago Map Society as well as two tours of the Newberry Library and their map archive.

  • American Geographical Society Library Fellowships for 2014

    The American Geographical Society Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, welcomes applications for two short-term research fellowship programs:

    *McColl Research Program Fellowships*
    This is a short-term fellowship program available to individuals who wish to communicate their geographical research results to a broad, educated general audience. Awards of $3300 for four-week fellowships will be provided to support residencies for the purpose of conducting research that makes direct use of the Library, and results in publication in a mutually agreed upon outlet.

    *Helen and John S. Best Research Fellowships* This is a short-term fellowship intended to support individuals whose research would benefit from extensive use of the AGS Library. Stipends of $400 per week, for periods up to 4 weeks, will be awarded.

    The American Geographical Society Library is one of North America’s foremost geography and map collections with strengths in geography, cartography and related historical topics. An extensive collection of books, periodicals, photos, maps, pamphlets, atlases, globes, electronic data, and the archives of the Association of American Geographers and the American Geographical Society are maintained at the AGS Library.  In addition, researchers benefit from access to the UWM Libraries print and online collections during their residency. Please note that not all AGS Library materials are listed in the online catalog, but finding aids and professional staff are available to assist in determining if resources in the AGSL are suitable for a given research project.

    Applications must be received by October 21, 2013. All fellowships are tenable in 2014.

    For further information and detailed application instructions visit:

    http://www4.uwm.edu/libraries/AGSL/fellowships.cfm or write, call or e-mail the Marcy Bidney, Curator, AGS Library, P.O. Box 399, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0399, Tel. (414) 229-6282, E-mail bidney@uwm.edu

  • Nebenzahl Lectures in the History of Cartography

    The War of 1812 and American Cartography

    The Eighteenth Kenneth Nebenzahl, Jr., Lectures in the History of Cartography The Newberry Library, Chicago October 24-26, 2013

    The Newberry Library’s Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography is pleased to announce “The War of 1812 and American Cartography,” the 18th Kenneth Nebenzahl, Jr., Lectures in the History of Cartography. The series, beginning on Thursday evening, October 24,
    2013 and running through Saturday morning, October 26, will consider how the evolving geopolitical ambitions of the United States that underpinned the War of 1812 were linked to the emergence of an American national cartography.

    North Americans on both sides of the U.S. – Canada border are commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in 2012-15. But while Canadians remember the war as a formative national event, Americans remember it (if at all) as a comparatively minor event in their history, overshadowed by the memory of the Civil War, whose sesquicentennial is also currently being commemorated. Similarly, the War of 1812 has barely raised a ripple in American carto-historiography. Yet the decades immediately preceding and following the war, roughly encompassing the years 1800-1830 embraced the first exploratory expeditions organized by the federal government; expansive mapping devoted to settlement, migration, and the improvement of infrastructure; the beginnings of American pedagogic, historical, and commercial cartography; and the formation and entrenchment of state and federal agencies devoted to surveying and mapping. The seven invited contributors to this eighteenth series of the Nebenzahl Lectures will explore these and other themes, asking whether and in what ways the War of 1812 and its aftermath was a formative period in American cartography and its representation of American geopolitical ambitions and identity.

    The Nebenzahl Lectures are free. However, we do ask that all persons wishing to attend make a reservation. For reservations and further information please contact Kristin Emery, The Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography, 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610 USA; e-mail: emeryk@newberry.org; phone 312-255-3657.

  • NACIS 2013 - Greenville, SC, October 9-11

    Alberto Cairo to Keynote
    Alberto Cairo will keynote the NACIS annual meeting in Greenville during the Friday evening banquet. Alberto Cairo teaches infographics and visualization at the School of Communication of the University of Miami since January 2012. Cairo is the author of The Functional Art: An Introduction to Information Graphics and Visualization. He has taught at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2005-2009), and has been director of infographics and multimedia at El Mundo online (Spain 2000-2005) and Editora Globo (Brazil, 2010-2011).

    Cairo has taught and organized workshops and training programs for universities and media organizations in more than twenty countries. His website is www.thefunctionalart.com and can be followed on Twitter: @albertocairo

    Special Session on the Cartographies of the South
    The site of the 2013 conference, Greenville, South Carolina, invites attention to be directed to the very rich themes and heritage of cartographies of the south.  This begins with various conceptions of "the south" in American history, but it can and should also be expanded; for Canadians, for example, all of the United States apart from Alaska is "the south".  The South Pole and the southern hemisphere in its entirety are accessible, as is the cartography of the south side of that tree or anything else.  "Down south" as a euphemism also yields some productive possibilities for the cartographies of the body and much else.  The objective of the session is to be inclusive and imaginative, and see where that leads. It'll lead us down south!

    The North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) recognizes the important contributions students make to our field. To recognize some of their hard work and achievements, we offer two fantastic student competitions each year at our annual conference (this year October 9–11 in Greenville, SC). All students currently enrolled in a certificate program, undergraduate, or graduate/post-graduate program are eligible to enter, as long as they have not previously won top prize in either competition.

    Student Dynamic Map Competition: The North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) recognizes the importance of dynamic mapping in cartography. We are sponsoring the 15th Annual Student Dynamic Map Competition to promote cartographic excellence and innovation in this versatile medium. A first prize of $500 will be awarded in each category. Deadline for submissions is September 13th. To view the rules and prizes, please visit http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=4

    Student Map and Poster Competition: Students who would like to display their works at NACIS 2013 should register for the Student Map and Poster Competition. We encourage all students to submit their maps and technical/research posters for a chance at a prize of $500! There is no entry fee. All entrants will be displayed in the Exhibits Gallery, and the winner will be selected by a ballot of all meeting attendees.
    The deadline to register is September 13th, 2013. For more information, please visit http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=18

    Travel Grants and Memberships: As an organization (and as former students ourselves), we’re aware that student budgets don’t often allow for extras like conference attendance or organizational memberships. Each year, NACIS offers up to 10 free memberships to undergraduate students, as well as offering a number of travel grants to students wishing to attend the annual conference. To find out more, please visit
    http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=27

  • The J.B. Harley Research Fellowships in the History of Cartography

    The trustees of the J. B. Harley Fellowships Trust are delighted to announce that, for the period 2013-2016, in addition to the normal J.B. Harley Fellowship awards open to anyone pursuing advanced research in the history of cartography, there are also Harley-Delmas Fellowships funded by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation for research in the history of cartography during the European Renaissance to the Enlightenment c.1400-c.1800.

    Because of this good news, this is an advance notice of these extra Fellowships. The Harley Fellowships are awarded each year, with the main call for proposals going out in September with the closing date 1 November. All applicants should apply for a J. B. Harley Fellowship; eligibility for a Harley-Delmas award will be decided by the Selection Committee of the Trustees. The Fellowship website has an Application page that should provide all the necessary information as well as answering many frequently asked questions, at http://www.maphistory.info/application.html. The main call for proposals will go out in the early autumn, as usual, and the closing date for all applications is 1st NOVEMBER.

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Cataloging News

    The report this issue by Paige Andrew is lengthy and is therefore available on a separate page.


Canadian News

    A report for Canada will be posted here in early July, so come back.


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New Maps & Web Sites of Interest

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Last modified: June 24, 2013
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