Research Data and Geographic Information Librarian
US Governmental Resources
- USGSthe US Geological Society is one of the biggest geospatial data producers in our country - all of which is available free to the public!
- National Geospatial Program (NGP)Subunit within the USGS that distributes the geospatial data collected by the USGS. Get place names, aerial photography, hydrography, elevation, and land use data.
- The Census BureauCollects demographic data on the US population including territories.
- Federal Geographic Data CommitteeCommittee in charge of furthering the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NDSI) through improving infrastructure and community standards.
Professional Organizations
- GISAA - GIS Association of AlabamaThe mission of GISAA is to facilitate growth in the GIS profession across Alabama and offers workshops, networking opportunities, and online resources.
- AGA - Alabama Geographic AllianceThe AGA is aimed at furthering Geographic Education throughout the state of Alabama and beyond. Their main goals are to increase geographic literacy in Alabama and advocate for policies that support it.
- ARSC - Alabama Remote Sensing ConsortiumThe ARSC hopes to further remote sensing education and research throughout Alabama by partnering institutions together.
- SEDAAG - South East Division of AAGA regional subgroup of the American Association of Geographers offers a smaller annual meeting focusing on research, education, and advancements within the Southeastern states.
- AAG - American Association of GeographersThe AAG has a long history as a place for geographers in America to gather. They offer several conferences and subgroups based on your location and discipline.
- NACIS - North American Cartographic Information SystemNACIS is a place for map lovers to gather together to discuss cartographic information. Paper map makers, GIS professionals, academics, and librarians all find NACIS to be inviting.
- ASPRS - The Imaging & Geospatial Information SocietyShort originally for American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing focuses on mapping sciences and technology. Their journal is highly praised for its quality and their annual conference takes place every March.
- AGS - American Geographical SocietyThe oldest geographic organization in the US, the AGS focuses on advancing geographic thinking and education across many disciplines.
- SWG - Society of Women GeographersSWG supports the limitless potential of women in STEM fields and hopes to create a more inclusive and intentional geographic field.
- IGU - International Geographical UnionAn international NGO dedicated to the field of geographic research. They offer an international conference every 4 years.
- GTU - Gamma Theta Upsilon: The International Geographical Honor SocietyAfter taking 3 geography classes and 3 semesters of college course work with a combined GPA of greater than 3.3, you are eligible to become a member of GTU.
Finding Geographic Data
To search for geospatial data, try either our GIS or Data Sources or Data Sets guides.
Online Scanned Maps
Remember to cite and check the reuse terms before reproducing any map!
- Alabama MapsA website collecting scans of Alabama maps and aerial imagery. Includes both historical and contemporary maps.
- Library of Congress Online Map CollectionsThe Library of Congress offers many online and digital collections, including Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, Civil War maps, rare maps, railroad maps, and more.
- David Rumsey Map CollectionDavid Rumsey started a map collection 35 years ago that has been digitized to include over 121,000 maps online. Subjects include rare antique maps, manuscript maps, and maps from around the world between 1550 and present.
- Historical Urban PlansAn excellent online map collection of historic town maps and a variety of other rare maps - such as sailing, exploration, and "sea monster" maps.
- Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection (University of Texas)The University of Texas - Austin has an incredible map collection online that includes global topographic maps, WWI battle maps, and other historical maps.
- Old Maps OnlineOld Maps Online offers a unique search tool allowing you to draw a box anywhere on the map and query the items in their collection that are located there.
- US Topographic Maps OnlineView and download USGS topographic maps