Maps of Syria Available from Ball State University Libraries

Maps in the News: Syria

The Ball State University Libraries’ GIS Research and Map Collection (GRMC) has a significant collection of maps of Syria and the Middle East. The maps include both historic maps of the country and the region and new, updated maps.

The image shown above (click to enlarge) is from a historic pictorial map of Syria from 1943 called “Illustrated Syria.” The map depicts agricultural and industrial products and places of interest, including parts of Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and then Palestine. An inset map shows main roads, air routes, railroads, pipelines, and political divisions. The map text is written in English and Arabic.

Other maps of Syria in the collection include tourist maps, maps of archaeological sites, road maps with images of sites of interest, economic activity maps, and land use and population maps. A unique tectonic sketch map showing oil wells and petroleum exploration from 1978 was produced by the Foreign Scouting Service. Four sets of topographic maps of Syria at varying scales are also available. Newer maps showing administrative divisions and relief show the changing borders of the region, and many of the maps include the Golan Heights. City maps of Syria are also featured in the collection, including a reproduction of a bird’s eye view map of Damascus from 1575.

The Atlas Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library also includes resources on Syria and the Middle East. The Historical Atlas of Syria and the Lonely Planet Atlas of Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon are available for circulation for one month or longer.

Maps from the GRMC circulate for two weeks or longer.

For more information, please contact the GRMC Monday through Friday during the summer from 7:30 to 4:30 P.M.