Planetary Maps and Atlases Available in University Libraries GRMC

Maps of Mars Available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander touched down on the Red Planet on Sunday night. The Phoenix began transmitting images of the surface of the northern polar part of the planet. (Images appear at www.nasa.gov/phoenix ). The rover’s equipment will begin digging the planet's terrain for the raw ingredients necessary to support life on Mars.

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection has maps of Mars available for those who wish to study the planet in more detail. The GRMC has topographic maps and pictorial representation maps of the Red Planet. The United States Geological Survey published Geology of the Solar System and Planetary Maps: Maps to Help You Find Your Way around on the Moon and Mars and on Some of Earth’s Neighboring Planets and Their Satellites in 1991, and both are available in the GRMC.

National Geographic has published many maps of the solar system, including The Red Planet Mars and A Map of the Heavens. In 2006 National Geographic updated their solar system maps with Eight Planets: The New Cosmic Order, a map showing Pluto as a dwarf planet. These maps are also available for circulation from the GRMC.

The NASA Atlas of the Solar System and Orbit: NASA Astronauts Photograph the Earth are other resources about outer space available in the Atlas Collection.

Please contact the staff of the GRMC for more information about these planetary maps and atlases.

Bicycle Route Maps Available at Ball State University Libraries

National Bike Month in May: Bike Maps Available in the University Libraries

Ball State University became a part of the national celebration of National Bike Month in May, and employees were encouraged to participate in Bike-to-Work Day on May 16. The University even created a bike rack location map with trails marked. This map is available at http://bsu.edu/workingwell/media/pdf/bike-rack-map.pdf

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library has a large collection of bike trail maps for those bicyclists motivated to use their bikes even more this summer. The GRMC has dozens of trail maps available that were published by Bikecentennial, the former name of the Adventure Cycling Association. The Adventure Cycling Association is an organization promoting long-distance bicycle tours across America, and many of these maps provide information about the condition and elevation of the trails and even edible plants along the trail. These maps also show the locations of bike shops, grocery stores, hotels, and post offices, and provide statistics about weather conditions.

The Collection includes Bikecentennial maps of sections of the Trans-America Bicycle Trail, the Great River Bicycle Trail, bike routes from Iowa to Maine, routes from Maine to Virginia, routes from Virginia to Florida, and many other trails. Bicycle trails in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin are all available on maps in the GRMC.

The GRMC also has a copy of the Official Bicycle Map of Illinois. Individual county bike maps of numerous counties in Michigan and special trail maps of Ohio are also available for circulation.
The Collection of bicycle trail maps is available in the ready-reference area of the GRMC, but these maps are not yet cataloged so maps cannot be located using the CardCat system. Stop by the GRMC, and staff can find the bicycle trail maps needed for planning treks across the country.

Maps of Australia and New Zealand Available in the GRMC

New Zealand and Australia maps in the GRMC

The 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon is the first native of New Zealand to win the race. Dixon actually was born in Brisbane, Australia and moved to Auckland, New Zealand at a young age.

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library has hundreds of maps of Australia and New Zealand available for research and learning. Most of the maps of this “down under” area of the world have not yet been cataloged, so a visit to the GRMC is necessary to provide more information about the maps available. A CardCat search will not reveal all of the maps available for the area.

The GRMC includes hundreds of thematic and topographic maps of Australia and New Zealand, including a set of 2002 topographic maps of New South Wales with aerial photography on the verso. The topographic maps of the countries are available at various scales. City maps for Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Wellington and dozens of other locations are also available in the GRMC. And maps of the islands around New Zealand can also be researched in the GRMC.

All maps from the GRMC circulate for two weeks or longer and may be used for semester-long projects in the classroom. For more information about these maps, please contact the GRMC Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. at 765/285-1097.

Using GIS in Archaeology

Indiana Jones and GIS

The new “Indiana Jones” movie officially opens in theaters today, and the field of archaeology will once again be in the spotlight. Archaeologists like the fictional Dr. Jones are beginning to expand their understanding of their research by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

GIS provides a tool for linking objects on a map to a database, and archaeology is a field that utilizes data in a spatial manner. Data from ancient documents and from field research can be mapped and charted using GIS. Archaeologists can chart the distribution of peoples, study ancient governments, and map ancient trade routes. GIS software can assist in surveying an archaeological site, creating a model of the site, and creating a map of the site.

The National Science Foundation is sponsoring the National Historic Geographic Information System at http://www.nhgis.org/. This site provides census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2000. Users can access the NHGIS Shape Finder using GIS software to access and map data. Data can be accessed with the NHGIS Data Finder, and users can use Social Explorer to map census data from 1940 to 2000.

The National Park Service is using GIS and GPS technology to map historic battlefields and other sites. More information and sample projects are available at http://www.nps.gov/history/hdp/crgis/index.htm

The Silk Road Foundation newsletter details the use of GIS in archaeological projects throughout central Asia. “The Origin of Chess and the Silk Road” and “Evolving the Archaeological Mapping of Afghanistan” are some of the featured articles at http://www.silk-road.com/newsletter/vol1.html

Researchers interested in learning more about using GIS technology in archaeology can find several books in the General Collection in Bracken Library. Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology by James Conolly, Spatial Technology and Archaeology: the Archaeological Applications of GIS by David Wheatley, and Practical Applications of GIS for Archaeologists: A Predictive Modeling Toolkit by Konnie Westcott are all excellent resources about the field. Placing History: How Maps, Spatial Data, and GIS Are Changing Historical Scholarship by Anne Kelly Knowles is a new reference item in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection.

The GRMC on the second floor of the Library has eight computer work stations available with the latest GIS software, and the GIS Specialist is available for assistance with projects. GIS software is also available on the computers located in the Periodical Reserves area of the Library and the Architecture Library.

Holiday Hours in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

GRMC Holiday Hours

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. The GRMC will reopen at 7:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 27.

Ohio Watershed Maps in University Libraries GRMC

New Materials in the GRMC: Ohio Watershed Maps

New maps of Ohio watersheds are available in the Ball State University Libraries Geospatial Resources & Map Collection. The set of 20 maps published by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District in 2002 was a gift from Ball State University alumnus Jacqueline Luzar.

The maps of various creeks in northeastern Ohio include land cover and land use statistics, a map of the community and community statistics, a topography map of the area, and a watershed map including roads and drainage networks showing pipes, culverts, and streams. The maps also include photographs of the area and an inset map of the watershed’s location in Ohio.

The watershed areas included are Abram Creek, Bakers Creek, Bear Creek, Big Creek, Brandywine Creek, Busby Ditch, Chippewa Creek, Dugway Brook, Euclid Creek (shown), Furnace Run, Hemlock Creek, Mill Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Plum Creek, Sagamore Creek, Shaw Brook, Tinkers Creek Main Branch, West Branch, West Creek, and Wood Creek.

These maps may be checked out individually and can be borrowed for two weeks or longer. For more information about using these maps for research and learning, please contact the GRMC at 765/285-1097.

Guide to Atlases in Ball State University Libraries

Guide to Atlases in University Libraries

Atlases can offer a world of information to researchers, and the Atlas Collection in Bracken Library contains thousands of atlases of the world, nations, cities, and various specific themes. However, researchers can find atlases located in other areas of University Libraries in addition to the Atlas Collection.

Some atlases are cataloged to be located in the general collection due to the percentage of maps found in the work. These atlases still contain many maps and data that might be useful to researchers. The Atlas of Poverty in America: One Nation, Pulling Apart, 1960-2003 is an excellent atlas using U.S. Census data in maps about poverty in relation to children, the elderly, Hispanics, Blacks, and other groups in the American population.

The Atlas of European Values is located in the general collection and features maps involving national pride, religion, the work environment, women, politics, and social outlook and networks.

The Gourmet Atlas in the general collection is obviously an atlas all about the foods of the world. This atlas features maps showing the pastas of Italy and the locations of the earliest fruits in the world.

The Penguin Atlas of Endangered Species (shown) offers a thorough examination of the threatened species around the world. This atlas offers maps showing the specific ecosystems of the world and maps about the various endangered animals. The atlas also features graphs and other statistics about the plight of these species.

The Atlas of Egyptian Art, Historical Atlas of American Crime, Atlas of the Civil War, Historical Atlas of the Renaissance, Historical Atlas of Religions, Historical Atlas of the Celtic World, and the Routledge Atlas of African American History are just some of the other atlases available in the general collection.

Atlases can also be located in the reference collection. The Archives and Special Collections houses rare and historical atlases. The Architecture Library includes atlases about architecture, world cities, and the popular Delorme topographic atlases of states. The Science Library includes many atlases about outer space, including stars and galaxies. The Government Publications area includes many atlases produced by the U.S. government, including the new U.S. Census Atlas. And Educational Resources in the lower level contains many atlases directed to children, including the Dinosaur Atlas.

Atlases can be an excellent resource for researchers since the maps can be easily scanned for inclusion in a presentation or report. Users can search for atlases in the Library’s CardCat system under the “advanced search.” Just enter the topic of interest and the word atlas to find an atlas related to many disciplines and areas of study.

New Materials in the Ball State University Libraries GRMC

Maps for Young and Old Available in University Libraries GRMC

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library has added a unique item to its collection of resources. Elementary education students often use basic maps and other resources from the GRMC in various lessons, so more juvenile resources are being added for the younger library users. There’s a Map on My Lap is a new book available in the GRMC. The book by Tish Rabe is from The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library series.

This new book introduces beginning readers to all different kinds of maps, even featuring a section on topographic maps and latitude and longitude. The elements of a map like legends, scales, and the compass rose are also described. The book even features ideas for games using maps and a glossary to explain the geographic terms, all using the rhyming made famous in the Dr. Seuss books:

You may travel the world,
But no matter how far,
With a map on your lap,
You will know where you are.

This book is available as a reference item in the GRMC. The GRMC is open from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday throughout the summer.

GIS Workshops at Ball State University Libraries

GIS Workshops Available at University Libraries

Angela Gibson, GIS Specialist in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection, will be conducting two GIS workshops in May for faculty and staff of Ball State University. Geographic Information Systems: Introduction will be held on Wednesday, May 14 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in Bracken Library room 008. This course provides the basics of GIS and its applications in various businesses and academic disciplines.

GIS Trends: Google Maps on the Web will be presented on Wednesday, May 28 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in Bracken Library room 311. This workshop teaches how to embed a Google map on Web pages and how to add informative points on the map.

To register for these workshops, visit http://www.bsu.edu/techtrain or contact Yasemin Tunc at 765/285-5902 or Angela Gibson at 765/285-1097.

Map Display for May in University Libraries

May 2008 “Map of the Month” in the GRMC

The “Map of the Month” for May 2008 is actually three maps of Cape May, New Jersey. The GRMC features thousands of maps of vacation destinations for the summer like Cape May and tourist favorites around the world.

April 2008 Events in the GRMC

April 2008 in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

Over 70 students in Geography 101 completed a semester-long classroom project, Fluvial-Focused Topographic Maps, using maps from the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection. Dr. David Call, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, worked with Melissa Gentry from the GRMC developing lessons using specific topographic maps. Students used new and historic maps to evaluate the development of flood-prone areas around the United States.

Melissa Gentry also provided a customized instructional session to students in Social Science 397, Elementary Social Studies Teaching Methods, for Brian Scott from the Department of History. The session showed students how to use maps and atlases in elementary lessons and classroom activities and games.

Angela Gibson, GIS Specialist, presented a specialized instructional session to students in Journalism 102 for Sheryl Swingley, Instructor in the Department of Journalism. This session showed students how to implement GIS mapping into news stories.

Students from the Indiana Academy also used maps from the GRMC to complete a classroom assignment on international rivers. Also students from the College of Architecture and Planning Environmental Design Studio and Architecture 100 completed final projects using GIS and maps from the GRMC during the month of April.

For more information about customized instructional sessions and classroom projects using resources from the GRMC, please contact the staff at 765/285-1097.

Summer Hours in the University Libraries GRMC

Summer Hours for the GRMC Begin May 5

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection hours for the summer session begin on Monday, May 5. The GRMC will open at 7:30 A.M. and close at 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday until August.

Maps of the Seychelles in University Libraries GRMC

Final Destination: Maps of the Seychelles Available in University Libraries

The final day of the Today Show “Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?” adventure has the host landing in the country of the Seychelles. Travelers to this Indian Ocean island paradise will enjoy the beautiful sights, white sand beaches, and crystal turquoise waters.

The University Libraries Geospatial Resources & Map Collection offers several resources for tourists visiting the Seychelles. Seychelles: Detailed, Informative, Practice, Including Victoria Town Plan is an invaluable tourist map. The convenient folded map features a location map, a map of Victoria’s city center, the city of Beau Vallon, maps of the botanical gardens and Bird Island, and the Vallee de Mai Nature Trail. The map also shows a calendar of events and language tips. The legend is printed in English, German, and French.

The Atlas Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library also has an informative atlas about the country, Atlas for Seychelles. The atlas features several thematic maps of the country and also maps showing the relationship of the Seychelles to the rest of the world.

Contact the staff of the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection at 765/285-1097 for more information about these resources.

Where in the World Is Matt Lauer? Maps of Istanbul in University Libraries

Maps of Istanbul, Turkey Available in GRMC

Istanbul, Turkey is the fourth destination of the Today Show’s “Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?” adventure. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is where “East” meets “West.”

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection contains several maps of Turkey and the city of Istanbul specifically. Lonely Planet Istanbul is an excellent map for tourists and includes a telephone directory, suggested walking tour, and a Turkish-English glossary. The map features inset maps of Old Istanbul, central Istanbul, and the Topkapi Palace. Turkey Tourist Map, created by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism, shows relief in shading, an inset map of Turkey in Europe, and distances from the airport. Isztambul, Terkep is another interesting map of the city printed in Hungarian, German, English, and French.

The Atlas Collection also includes several atlases and guidebooks about Turkey, including Turkey: Lonely Planet Travel Atlas. This guide is printed in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.

Maps can be borrowed for two weeks or longer. Atlases check out for four weeks.

Map Exhibit Features Cell Phone Driving Laws

Map of State-by-State Cell Phone Driving Laws

Drivers planning a summer road trip across the country may wish to print a copy of this map for their records. The map shows state-by-state laws involving driving and using cell phones. Most of the laws will be valid by July if not already in effect. Drivers may add purchasing a headset to their summer vacation planning to-do list in order to avoid being fined for cell phone use.

A large copy of the map is featured in an exhibit in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection windows on the second floor of Bracken Library.

The map was featured in Wired magazine. (Sources: Governors Highway Safety Association, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Maps of Laos Available in University Libraries

Laos Maps and Atlases Available in University Libraries

The third stop of the “Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?” adventure takes the Today Show host to Southeast Asia, to the landlocked Communist country of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, more commonly Laos. The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection and the Atlas Collection in Bracken Library have several resources for travelers wishing to also visit Laos, known as the “Realm of a Million Elephants.”

A travel map of Cambodia and Laos from 2003 is available in the GRMC for checkout. This map features inset maps of major tourist attractions and Vientiane City. The map shows four categories of roads throughout the country, and the map is printed in English and French. Another map of the region, Cambodge, Laos, Viet Nam, shows relief in shading and spot heights. This map is printed in English, French, German, and Hungarian.

The Atlas Collection adjacent to the GRMC on the second floor of Bracken Library also houses some atlases of Southeast Asia and Laos speicifically. Atlas of Laos: The Spatial Structures of Economic and Social Development of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, printed in 2000, is available in English. This atlas features several different maps of the country and covers economic and social conditions. Laos: A Lonely Planet Travel Atlas is an excellent resource for tourists. The atlas is similar to a guidebook and features detailed road maps and information about famous attractions throughout the country. This atlas is printed in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese.

Maps from the GRMC can be checked out for two weeks or longer. Atlases circulate for four weeks. Contact the staff of the GRMC for more information about these maps and atlases.

Tracking Matt Lauer with Maps from University Libraries, Day Two

Day Two of Mapping Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?

The second day of the Today Show’s “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” segment found the host in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection in Bracken Library has an extensive collection of maps of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
A perfect map for tourists of the city is the Amsterdam City Map from Dorling Kindersley Publishers. This folded laminated map shows the locations of museums, sights, galleries, and transportation routes, including the rail and metro network. The map also features ancillary maps of “Amsterdam’s best canals and waterways.”

Another map from the GRMC, Amsterdam by Car, also shows the transportation routes of the city. This map also includes traffic regulations and maps of parking zones. Patent-Folded Amsterdam map is another useful map of the city, and includes information in Dutch, French, German, and English.

The Amsterdam Pictorial Map and City Guide (shown) is a map of the significant architecture of the city, including line-art sketches of selected buildings and points of interest.

Please contact the staff of the GRMC Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. for more information about these travel resources.

Following Today Show's Matt Lauer Using Maps from University Libraries

Following Matt Lauer Using Maps from University Libraries

Matt Lauer, host of the Today Show on NBC, is once again traveling around the world for a week for the program’s annual “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” Monday was the first day of the journey, and viewers got a glimpse of Lauer dancing the tango. Where in the world was Matt Lauer? Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection has a number of maps of Buenos Aires and Argentina for adventurers ready to follow Matt Lauer around the world. Buenos Aires: the Golden Map features a map of the city with selected buildings shown pictorially and five suggested walking tours. Mapas de Integracion Turistica Chile-Argentina features inset tourist maps of Buenos Aires. The GRMC also includes a map of the city from 1928 and a topographic map of the city from 1925.

Maps may be borrowed from the GRMC for two weeks or longer. Please contact the staff of the GRMC for more information about these maps or any others from the Collection.

Golf Resources Available in University Libraries GRMC

Hit the Links in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

With classes winding down and summer fast approaching, the University Libraries’ Atlas Collection and Geospatial Resources & Map Collection are great destinations for golfers anxious to hit the links.

Golfers can research courses across the country using the USA Today Golf Atlas in the Atlas Collection. The Street Map Atlases of Manatee and Sarasota County, Florida also include maps showing the locations of golf courses in the area. The Pennsylvania State Road Atlas also features a guide to golf courses throughout the state.

Golfers traveling abroad this summer can find the location of golf courses in France with the Golfs de France map from the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection. The MapArt Map of Toronto and Area includes information about golf courses located near this Canadian city, and the Windsor City Plan also details the locations of courses. Guide to Southwest Ireland map in the GRMC also shows where golfers traveling to Ireland can play.

The GRMC includes maps of various cities and counties with information about local golf courses throughout Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Minnesota, California, New Jersey, Tennessee, and New Hampshire. Golf vacations are popular in Florida, and the GRMC includes a large collection of maps with golf courses located in various cities and counties throughout the state.

Travelers to popular golf destinations like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina can find golf guide maps in the GRMC. There are also golf guide maps available in the GRMC for Atlantic City, Los Angeles, the Sandhills area of North Carolina, and locally the Eagle Creek Park and Nature Preserve in Indianapolis.

Maps can be checked out from the GRMC for two weeks or longer, and atlases check out for four weeks.

For more information about any of these golf resources, please contact the staff of the GRMC at 765/285-1097.

Spring Wildflower Walk at Ball State University

Spring Wildflower Walk at Christy Woods


The Field Station and Environmental Education Center is hosting the Spring Wildflower Walk at Christy Woods this Saturday, April 26 at 1:00 P.M. The guided tour of the spring ephemeral wildflowers will begin outside the Orchid Greenhouse. This is the peak of the blooming season for these flowers. The walk lasts approximately 45 minutes and is free and open to the public. Parking is available in lot G13 just south of the Orchid Greenhouse.

View highlights of the spring wildflowers at http://web.bsu.edu/fseec/environment/ECI/FloraECI/Wildflowers.htm

For more information, please contact John Taylor, Land Manager, at 765/285-2641 or Hugh Brown, Director, at 765/285-5788.

New Materials in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

What’s in a Name? New Books Available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

Anthropology classes visited the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection during the spring semester to complete a class project researching the origin of names of places in Indiana and the surrounding area. Students used maps and other resources to determine the meanings of names of towns, counties, and rivers. Two new reference books are now available in the GRMC to assist with this type of research: Indian Placenames in America, Volumes 1 and 2 by Sandy Nestor.

Indian Placenames in America, Volume 1, studies the origins of cities, towns, and villages across the United States. The book is arranged alphabetically by state, then by placename. Additional data include population figures and county names. For example, Shipshewana in LaGrange County received its name from Chief Shipshewana whose tribe was removed to Kansas in 1838. His name was interpreted as “vision of a lion,” and may come from folklore that claimed Shipshewana saw a lion in his dreams. Probable Indian placenames with no certain origin also receive entries, and as much history as possible is provided about these locations.

Indian Placenames in America, Volume 2, explains the names of mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes, creeks, forests, and other natural features. In addition to name origins and meanings, geophysical data such as heights of mountains and lengths of waterways are also indicated. Maxinkuckee Lake in Marshall County was derived from the Potawatomi word mog-sin-kee-ki, which means “big stone country,” in reference to the numerous rock bars situated in the lake.

These new materials are available in the GRMC Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 P.M. Contact the staff of the GRMC for more information about using these books in research and learning.

Earthquake Maps Available in the University Libraries GRMC

Earthquake Maps Available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

The Midwest was awakened Thursday by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake centered near West Salem, Illinois, about 60 miles from Evansville, Indiana. The quake is believed to have involved the Wabash fault, a northern extension of the New Madrid fault about six miles north of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The last earthquake in the region to approach the severity of Friday’s was a 5.0 magnitude quake in 2002.

This map shows some of the strongest earthquakes in the region from 1699 to 2002. This map, Three Centuries of Earthquakes: Earthquakes in the Central United States, 1699 to 2002, is available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library. The GRMC contains dozens of maps and atlases related to earthquakes and seismic activity around the world. Maps can be checked out for two weeks or longer for research and learning.

March 2008 in the GRMC

What’s Happening in the GRMC?
March 2008 Edition

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection provided maps of Russia for exhibit at the National Endowment for the Arts “The Big Read” event, Tolstoy Revealed, on March 29 at the Kennedy Library in Muncie.

Two sections of students studying to teach elementary social studies visited the GRMC on March 17 to learn about how to implement maps and atlases in the elementary classroom in lessons covering various subjects. A similar tutorial about using maps in the social studies classroom is also available on the GRMC Web page at http://www.bsu.edu/library/article/0,,54747--,00.html

Landscape architecture students were provided maps and digital resources for field trips and projects in Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and downtown Muncie, Indiana. First-year students from the College of Architecture and Planning received instructional assistance on using the University Libraries’ new Digital Media Repository Muncie Sanborn Collection.

A local historian visited the GRMC in order research historic maps and atlases to determine the location of an abandoned town in Grant County, Indiana. Another researcher used historic atlases to determine the location of an ancient battle in Ireland.

John Taylor, Land Manager, Field Station and Environmental Education Center, received personalized GIS instruction in the GRMC lab for a special project using ArcMap software.

Students in industrial technology and construction management, urban planning, elementary education, anthropology, geography, and history visited the GRMC for research and learning during the month of March.

The GRMC is located on the second floor of Bracken Library and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Earth Day Exhibit in University Libraries GRMC

Earth Day Exhibit in Ball State University Libraries

In honor of Earth Day on April 26, the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection (GRMC) in Bracken Library is presenting an exhibit of two topographic maps revealing environmental changes. The GRMC maintains a collection of United States Geological Survey topographic maps of every state. As a Depository library, the GRMC receives new maps from the government regularly. The newest topographic map of Skagway, Alaska revealed some drastic environmental changes since the last printing of the map. The older map was printed in 1954 and shows the Davidson Glacier extending toward the Chilkat Inlet with a small lake at the base. The newest topographic map of the same area, published in 2004, reveals a receding glacier with a much larger lake at its base.

The GRMC maintains the collection of these topographic maps and additional historic topographic maps so that researchers and classes can study development and environmental changes. Maps in the GRMC can be borrowed for two weeks or longer for use in the classroom. Please contact the GRMC for more information about using topographic maps in research and learning.

Ball State University GRMC Guide to Maps

Hidden Treasures: Guide to Un-cataloged Maps in the University Libraries

Thousands of maps in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection have not yet been cataloged, so searching for maps in the University Libraries’ CardCat system will not find a complete listing of maps in the Collection. Researchers should visit the GRMC to find many of the maps not available through the catalog. Un-cataloged maps are available for the regular checkout period for maps, two weeks.

Each month some of the un-cataloged maps will be featured on the GRMC Blog in order to bring attention to some of the valuable maps found in the Collection.

The GRMC contains a set of maps called the Atlas of Australian Resources. This set contains maps published by the Australia Department of National Development in Canberra. Several thematic maps are included in this unique set, many extremely valuable for research and learning about Australia:

• Crops
• Soils
• Drainage systems
• Surface water resources
• Rainfall
• Fish and fisheries
• Livestock
• Underground water
• Conservation of surfaces water
• Physical features
• Geology
• Mineral deposits
• Temperatures
• Climatic regions
• Forest resources
• Power and fuel
• Vegetation regions
• Ports and shipping
• Educational facilities
• Health services
• State and local government areas

Contact the GRMC staff for more information about the resources available for research. The GRMC is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

In the Window: April Map of the Month

April Showers: "Map of the Month" is Rainiest City in the US

The “Map of the Month” for April 2008 in the Ball State University Libraries' Geospatial Resources & Map Collection is a map of Mobile, Alabama. The map of Mobile was selected because of the amount of rainfall Mobile receives every year.

San Francisco-based Weather Bill, Incorporated conducted a study to determine the rainiest city in the contiguous United States. The Southeast dominated the list, although cities in the Pacific Northwest actually had more rainy days. Most people think of Seattle when asked the rainiest city, but the rainiest city in the contiguous United States is actually Mobile, Alabama, averaging 67 inches of rain per year. Pensacola, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Lafayette, Louisiana, complete the top five rainiest cities. (Several cities in Alaska and Hawaii actually average more than 100 inches of rain per year, but this study concentrated on cities in the contiguous United States).

Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama were the wettest states, while California, Montana, and Nevada were the driest. Las Vegas, Nevada, is the driest city.

Three decades of rainfall data from the National Weather Service was used to complete the study. For more on the rainiest cities report visit www.weatherbill.com/reports/rainstudy

Visit the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on the second floor of Bracken Library to view the “Map of the Month” or to research other maps, atlases, and GIS resources.

Ostland Atlas Added to University Libraries Digital Media Repository

Ostland Atlas Added to University Libraries Digital Media Repository

The Ostland Atlas from Ball State University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections has been added as a collection in the Digital Media Repository. The atlas was published by the Nazis in 1942 and is extremely rare. The atlas was originally acquired for the Ball State University Libraries’ Map Collection by Paul Stout, retired map librarian. Users can access the Repository at http://libx.bsu.edu/ and may either browse the collections or search for Ostland Atlas.

The creation of the Ostland Atlas was overseen by the Reich Commissioner for the Occupied Eastern Territories, Alfred Rosenberg, and used in the civil administration of the Eastern territories, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This digital collection features 52 color maps. The maps show the occupied administrative territories, climate and vegetation, population demographics, agricultural status, industry, energy and economic features, traffic and roads, foreign trade in 1938, and the history of the area.

For more information about the atlas or the University Libraries’ Digital Media Repository, please contact the Archives and Special Collections at 765/285-5078 or the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection at 765/285-1097.

Students Create Poster Exhibits Using Ball State University Libraries' Plotter Printers

Exhibit Posters Printed in the GRMC

The Ball State University Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs’ 13th annual Sandra L. Smith Student Symposium was held in the Student Center on Tuesday, March 25. The Student Symposium gives students an opportunity to present their research and creative and scholarly endeavors to the public. Most of the presentations at the Symposium take the form of a poster exhibit, and students are awarded prizes for the best presentation.

Students participating in the Symposium visited the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection (GRMC) in Bracken Library to print their posters using the two large-format plotters. Over 35 students used the plotters in the GRMC to print their posters in the two days leading up to the Symposium. Students studying physics, anthropology, biology, natural resources, and health science were able to create and print their exhibit posters in the GIS lab of the GRMC.

The color plotters print on 42-inch and 36-inch wide paper. The cost for printing is $8 for the first 36 inches; $10 for the next 36-inches; and $12 for printing up to 108 inches. Charges are sent directly to student or departmental Bursar’s accounts.

For additional information about large-format printing in the GRMC, please call 765/285-1097 from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday.

Native American Resources at Ball State University Libraries

Native American Resources for Learning, Teaching, and Research at Ball State University Libraries

by Hannah Cox, Archives and Special Collections Supervisor, and Melissa Gentry, Map Collection Assistant

Students, faculty, and other researchers looking for resources about Native Americans can find them in abundance in the Archives and Special Collections and the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection at the Ball State University Libraries. While much of the material can be found through the Libraries’ online public catalog CardCat, some items of potential interest require more in-depth assistance. For this reason, collection guides to Native American resources are being updated.

The material in Archives and Special Collections is divided into two sections, with the first focusing specifically on the Miami and Delaware people in Indiana and the second encompassing resources of a more general nature. The first section of the subject guide has been subdivided into Manuscript Collections, Theses and Dissertations, and Rare Book Monographs. This includes newspaper articles, manuscripts, books, maps, and photographs concerning local Native Americans. The Miami Indian Collection and books from such authors as Otho Winger are two examples of local resources. The second section consists primarily of rare books about Native American tribes outside of Delaware county, as well as official documents and reports. Many of the books in this area were written from the perspective of missionaries, travelers, or soldiers, although there are several written by Native Americans. The online Native American Collection Guide can be found under the Collection Areas subheading on the Archives and Special Collections homepage.

The Geospatial Resources and Map Collection (GRMC) also has a number of resources that can be used in research and learning about Native Americans. The Map Collection includes several maps published by the U.S. federal government showing the location of “Indian lands” over time, Indian land cession maps, Native American languages maps, as well as the location of current reservations throughout the United States.

Historic maps in the Collection depict the homelands and influences of Native Americans. The Making of America series of maps from National Geographic display regional homelands throughout North America. The map, Indiana, the Influence of the Indian upon its History: with Indian and French Names for Natural and Cultural Locations, shows the origins of place names in Indiana. Montana: Frontier, Pioneer: a one-page History Dedicated to the Old Timers (shown) depicts the history of the state of Montana.

The Atlas Collection also includes many resources for the study of Native Americans. The Atlas of American Indian Affairs, Atlas of American Migration, and the Illustrated Atlas of Native American History are excellent resources about Native Americans in general. Other atlases have a more specific focus, including Atlas of the Sioux Wars, The Navajo Atlas, and A Zuni Atlas.

The Native American materials are a valuable resource for research and learning. Students from Anthropology 471/571 Ethnohistory visited the GRMC for an instructional session about using cartographic resources. Students were assigned a special project using maps and other sources to research the Native American origins of places in Indiana. Historical researchers from Indianapolis were also able to use maps and aerial photography from the GRMC to assist in the identification of a possible Native American ritual site near Yorktown, Indiana. An online guide to Native American resources available in the GRMC and Atlas Collection will soon be available on the GRMC Web page. Most of the resources in the Collections are currently available for searches in CardCat.

For more information on these and other resources, contact the Archives and Special Collections at 765/285-5078 or the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection at 765/285-1097.

New Map Collection on Ball State University Libraries' Digital Media Repository

New Map Collection Now Accessible through the Ball State University Libraries’ Digital Media Repository

by Maren Read, Archivist for Manuscript Collections, Archives and Special Collections

Students, faculty, researchers, and scholars worldwide now have online access to new resources through the Ball State University’s Digital Media Repository (DMR), a project of the University Libraries. The Muncie Sanborn® Fire Insurance Maps Collection includes 200 maps showing the commercial, industrial, and residential sections of Muncie, Indiana, from 1883 through 1911. The maps were originally produced by the Sanborn Map Company to assist fire insurance agents in determining the degree of hazard and establish premiums for particular properties. Today these maps are used by students and scholars in a variety of fields, including history, urban planning, historic preservation, and genealogy. An online tutorial entitled “Maps and Cartography: Using Sanborn® Fire Insurance Maps” by Melissa Gentry, of the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection, and a handout on how to search this collection in the DMR will be available online soon.

Focus on Europe Event at University Libraries

Focus on Europe Panel in University Libraries

The European Studies Committee at Ball State University will be hosting the Focus on Europe: Spring 2008 panel discussion on Thursday, March 20 at 5:00 P.M. in Bracken Library’s Forum Room, room 225. The panel entitled “Fortress Europe—A New Wall? Immigration in Europe” will be chaired by Constantin Schreiber, a graduate student from Muenster, Germany. The event will include students from European countries and cover topics of modern European politics, culture, and society.

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection in Bracken Library is featuring a map of Europe on display to highlight the Focus on Europe event. The map includes inset maps showing the foreign-born population of Europe and net migration of European countries.

New Large-Format Plotter and Laminator in Ball State University Libraries

New Large-Format Plotter and Large-Format Laminator Now Available in the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection

The University Libraries’ Geospatial Resources & Map Collection (GRMC) recently acquired two new resources, an additional large-format plotter and a large-format laminator. This equipment is available for use by students, faculty, staff, and personnel in academic and administrative areas.

The new plotter was added to keep up with the demand from students, faculty, and departments that use plotting services. The newly acquired large-format plotter is a 42” HP 4500ps that complements the current 36” HP 10055cm. The new roll laminator accepts documents that are up to 42” wide. It is available for use by anyone in the Ball State community at a cost of $3 per linear foot.

Plotter Printing Costs
Posters either 36” wide or 42” wide:

Length of 36” and under $ 8
Length of 37” to 72” $10
Length of 73” to 108” $12

All charges for using this equipment are processed through the user’s Bursar account. This is necessary because GRMC personnel do not handle cash, and checks are not accepted.

For more information, contact the GRMC during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

GIS Specialist Attends Indianapolis Annual Conference

Annual Indiana Geographic Information Council Conference Report

Angela Gibson, GIS Specialist, attended the Annual Indiana GIS Conference in Indianapolis on February 19-20, 2008. The conference included workshops centered on the ArcGIS Server, Web-based mapping with Google and Microsoft, and new online environmental sensitivity tools.

Shorter length sessions were offered for a variety of subjects, such as the state of the USGS National Geospatial programs, development of the Indiana Historical Aerial Photo Index, usability of free and low-cost GIS software, and a variety of subject and various task-specific topics. Two especially interesting software programs available at little to no cost that allow for desktop and Internet viewing, manipulating map data, and even some analysis were discussed. The first is AccuGlobe from Digital Data Technologies (for PC) and My World GIS from Northwestern University (for MAC). AccuGlobe Desktop 2007 can be downloaded for free at www.accuglobe.net and offers many GIS standards such as support for ECW, JPEG, and PNG layers, and legend grouping. My World GIS is a Geographic Information System (GIS) designed specifically for use in educational settings. It provides a selected subset of the features of a professional GIS environment, www.myworldgis.org/software.

This year’s Annual Indiana GIS Conference offered a plethora of new ideas, technologies, and creative uses of GIS technology, many of which will prove to be very useful for students and faculty who use the Geospatial Resources and Map Collection at Bracken Library.

February Events in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

February 2008 Events in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

Students from the College of Architecture and Planning Environmental Design Studio researched topographic maps of United States national parks in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection for a class project in February. Eighty-five students visited the GRMC to locate specific points on maps to determine a development site. Anthropology 471/571 students also used the resources of the GRMC for a class assignment following a specialized instructional session on February 4.

Students from English 103 copied maps from various countries around the world in order to create culture packets for a class assignment. Geography 341 students completed an assignment requiring a critical analysis of atlases in the Atlas Collection.

Students participating in the College Mentoring Program visited the GRMC on February 11 for a specialized instructional session on Native American resources, and maps of France were used for another mentoring presentation.

Students from Industrial Technology & Construction Management 460 and Foundations of Education 420 used GIS software, digital aerial photography, and census data to create specialized maps in the GIS lab of the GRMC. The GIS Specialist also created a custom map for a student giving a presentation on school shootings (shown above).

Community groups using maps and other resources from the GRMC in February included the Center for Historic Preservation, the Community Center for Vital Aging, the Association of Lifelong Learners, and the Canoeing Club of Chicago. Pioneer Consulting Services and Archeological Consultants of Ossian also used the resources of the GRMC for site development research. Researchers also used maps from the GRMC for information about two sites under consideration for the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information about the resources of the GRMC, please call 765-285-1097 from Monday through Friday.

Ball State University Smoke-free Campus Map

Ball State University Map of Designated Smoking Areas

Ball State University will be a smoke-free campus starting Monday, March 17, immediately following spring break. Smoking will be prohibited in all university buildings and outdoor campus areas except designated locations shown on the map. More information about the policy, including designated smoking locations may be found at www.bsu.edu/smokefree.

Maps Available in Ball State University Archives and Special Collections

University Libraries’ Historic Map of Italy

This map of Pesaro, Italy, was published in about the year 1578 and is a part of the Archives and Special Collections collection of maps. Pesaro is a city in central Italy located on the Adriatic Sea at the mouth of the Foglia River. The city is known for its palace and fortress and was once a Roman colony.

A reproduction of this particular map can also be found in Civitates Orbis Terrarum, 1572-1618 (Towns of the World) in the Atlas Collection. This book is a collection of facsimile maps that were printed by Peter von Brachel in about 1618-1623 and is composed of three volumes. The Pesaro map is included in volume two.

The Archives and Special Collections includes hundreds of maps of Indiana, Delaware County, Muncie, and other areas, most dating back to the 1800’s. The collection includes many historic road maps, plat maps, and township maps.

For more information about the maps and other cartographic materials in the Archives and Special Collections, please contact the staff of the Archives at 765/285-5078.

February Maps Displays in Ball State University Libraries

February Map Displays in the GRMC

The “Map of the Month” in the Ball State University Geospatial Resources & Map Collection for February is this map of Vatican City or the Holy See. This detailed map was published by the Central Intelligence Agency and shows the location of the radio station, the post office, and the Papal Printing Office. Vatican City is located completely within the city of Rome, Italy. As the world’s smallest country, it makes sense to feature this map during the year’s shortest month.

Other maps featured in the windows of the GRMC as "Maps in the News" are maps of Cuba and the world’s newest country, Kosovo.

For more information about these maps, please contact the GRMC in Bracken Library at 765/285-1097.

Anthropology Students Use University Libraries for Research Project

Anthropology Students Visit the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection for Research and Learning


Students from Anthropology 471/571 (Ethnohistory) visited the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection on Monday, February 4, for an instructional session on using maps and atlases in research. Students learned about ancient maps, the biases in mapmaking, using historical and thematic maps, census maps, and atlases to study different ethnic groups and history.

Colleen Boyd, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, is introducing students to different areas of University Libraries that can be used for “hands-on” research. Boyd assigned the students an interesting project involving toponyms, place names. Students were asked to use maps and other sources to research how a place in Indiana got its name. A book in the GRMC, Indiana Place Names by Ronald Baker and Marvin Carmony, provided anecdotes about how different places in Indiana got their names. A map, Indiana, the Influence of the Indian upon its History: with Indian and French Names for Natural and Cultural Locations, was also an important resource used for the assignment. Students also visited the Archives & Special Collections to complete their research on toponyms.

For more information about using the resources of the GRMC or for planning a customized instructional session using the Collection, please contact the GRMC in Bracken Library from Monday through Friday.

Kosovo Maps, Atlases Available in University Libraries

Kosovo Maps and Atlases Available in University Libraries

News agencies are reporting that thousands of people swarmed the streets of Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, on Sunday celebrating the province’s declaration of independence. Kosovo’s parliament voted to declare independence from Serbia.

The province has been under the administration of the United Nations since ethnic clashes in 1999. Serbia refuses to recognize the independence of Kosovo, and Russia is calling for a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Kosovo's independence has the support of Western powers including the United States and nations of the European Union.

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection has dozens of thematic and topographic maps of Kosovo and its capital Pristina. International Travel Maps published a map of Kosovo in 2000 in the Collection, and a map of the provinces of Kosovo is shown above.

The first democratic elections in Kosovo are documented in atlases in the Atlas Collection of Bracken Library. The Humanitarian Community Information Centre published the atlases, Kosovo Atlas and 2001 Election Day Reference Guide and Kosovo Atlas: Municipal Elections 2000, My Municipality, My Decision. The Canadian Military Atlas in the Atlas Collection also documents Canada’s involvement in the conflict in Kosovo.

Maps from the GRMC may be checked out for two weeks, and atlases check out for four weeks. For more information about these resources, please contact the GRMC at 765/285-1097.

Academy Awards Map Exhibit in University Libraries' GRMC

Mapping the Oscars

On February 24, 2008, the 80th anniversary of the Academy Awards will be broadcast from Hollywood. The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection in Bracken Library is featuring a special map exhibit in honor of this event. The exhibit, Mapping the Oscars, features maps of the settings of the five movies nominated for the Best Picture award. No Glory for Old Men takes place in West Texas; Juno is in Minnesota; There Will Be Blood’s setting is New Mexico; the movie Michael Clayton happens in New York; and Atonement takes place in England and France.

The exhibit was created by GRMC student-assistants Casey Gentis and Amber Lukes. Gentis has worked in the GRMC for three years, and this is Lukes’ second year of work. Both students will graduate in May.

For more information about this exhibit, please contact the GRMC Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Black History Month Maps Exhibit in University Libraries' GRMC

Black History Month Exhibit in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection’s exhibit, The Geography of Black History, will be on display during the month of February in honor of Black History Month. (Click on the image to zoom). The exhibit features images and maps from The Atlas of African-American History and Politics and The Atlas of African-American History from the Atlas Collection in Bracken Library. The exhibit details African-American contributions in the Revolutionary War, the liberation of Holocaust survivors, the civil rights movement, and professional baseball leagues, as well as other important historic events.

For more information about these atlases or the exhibit, contact the GRMC at 765-285-1097.

Focus the Nation Global Warming Display

Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America maps and atlas display from the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection:

Ball State University Hosts Global Warming Events

National Global Warming Event at Ball State University

Ball State University will be hosting Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America on Thursday, January 31, 2008, from 10:00 to 5:00 in the Student Center. Focus the Nation is a national teach-in engaging millions of students and citizens with political leaders and decision makers about global warming solutions. Faculty, students, and staff put aside “business as usual” for one day to focus on global warming issues.

Some of the topics presented during the day include ecological design, hydrological effects of climate change, the American lifestyle, faith and climate, and technological solutions to climate change. Maps and atlases focusing on climate change and environmental issues from the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection and Atlas Collection will be included in part of the display.

The closing ceremony will include Sue Errington, State Senator, and Doran Moreland, representative from Senator Evan Bayh’s office. The event is endorsed by President Gora and the Council on the Environment and sponsored by Students for a Sustainable Campus and the Center for Energy Research/Education/Service.

National Park Service Unveils New Web Camera

Old Faithful Web Camera Goes Live this Week

The National Park Service this week unveiled a live streaming Web camera of the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. This live camera replaces the popular previous Web page that updated every 30 seconds. The camera also captures activities at other geysers in the park like Beehive, Giantess, and Lion. Wandering wildlife may also be captured by the camera. The Web camera can be viewed at http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/yellowstonelive.htm

Native American Site on University Libraries' Aerial Photography

Native American Sacred Site on University Libraries’ Aerial Photography

Archaeological researchers from Ball State University have identified a circular ditch near Yorktown, Indiana, as an earthwork of Native American origin according to the Muncie StarPress. The earthen structure was built about 2,000 years ago and measures 230 feet across. The circular ditch is 13 feet wide and three feet deep. The site lies just 150 feet from Indiana State Road 32 (Kilgore Avenue) just west of Nebo Road.

The site, dubbed Yorktown Circle, was probably used as a sacred site for ritual activities. No Native American artifacts have been recovered from the site, but researchers plan to nominate the circle to both the State and National Register of Historic Places.

The Delaware County Office of Geographic Information System (GIS) reported the site to Ball State researchers in 2005 after observing perfect circles on topographic maps and aerial photography.

Aerial photography of Delaware County published in 1941 available in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection (shown above) clearly shows the site before many of the trees existed around the ditch. A Google Earth image of the current site (below) shows how trees have surrounded the circle.

Aerial photographs of Delaware County from 2005 are also available in the GRMC. Digital images can be accessed and saved or printed using the large-format plotter. The Collection also includes historic aerial photographs from other Indiana counties and several other states.

For more information about using historic and current aerial photographs, please contact or visit the GRMC on the second floor of Bracken Library.

More Online Tutorials Available from the GRMC

More Online Tutorials Available from the GRMC

New GIS and maps resources are available on the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection Web page. Two new online tutorials have been added to accompany the previous tutorials, Elements of a Map, Topographic Maps, and Using Maps and Atlases in Social Studies Lessons.

Students and faculty interested in learning more about GIS software can now access BusinessMAP Basics, a tutorial on the GRMC Web page. BusinessMAP 4.5 software is geared toward business and marketing tasks and was recently installed in the GIS lab in the GRMC to supplement existing GIS software.

The BusinessMAP Basics tutorial guides users through the basic functions of this new software and is supplemented by specific subject-oriented video tutorials created by ESRI that illustrate the tools being used in a project environment. Marketing and business faculty and students could use this tutorial to enhance classroom projects.

Users seeking information about geography can also access online map tutorials. These tutorials are of particular value for students for review, teachers for classroom instruction, and others who want to sharpen their map skills. The newest tutorial on the site is from the Maps and Cartography series: Map Projections. Map Projections teaches users about how maps are created using different map projections and provides examples of each type using maps from the Map Collection.

These online resources are available under the GIS and Maps and Atlases sections of the main GRMC Web page, www.bsu.edu/library/collections/gcmc. After completing the tutorials, users are asked to provide feedback, including suggestions for topics of future tutorials.

For more information on these and other resources, contact the GRMC staff at 765-285-1097.

GRMC Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

The Geospatial Resources & Map Collection in Bracken Library will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

2007 Review for the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

2007 By the Numbers in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

The statistics are in, and the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection was a busy place during the 2007 calendar year:

Maps circulated: 1067
Reference questions: 785
GIS resources used: 115
Materials used in the GRMC: 6,497
Instructional sessions: 21
Instructional sessions’ participants: 475
Plotter uses: 1,372

Contact the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection in University Libraries to find out more about resources for research and learning. Happy New Year!

December Events in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection

Highlights from December 2007 in the GRMC

Staff of the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection provided an instructional session about using maps and atlases in social studies lessons to students in Social Studies Elementary Teaching Methods (SS397) on December 5. Students in the class learned about specific maps in the Collection, map publishers, and how to borrow maps for classroom activities.

University Libraries employees attended two Staff College sessions entitled A Day in the Life… on December 18. Participants learned about the daily responsibilities and interesting research opportunities that happen in the GRMC. Most were surprised to learn that in 2006 the GRMC hosted 3,884 visitors who used 15,982 maps and atlases. Participants also learned about daily life in Acquisitions and the Educational Resources Collection during the sessions.

The GIS Specialist assisted Frank Trechsel, Professor of Language and Linguistics in the Department of English, obtaining GIS data for Mexico and created detailed maps of specific areas for projects on Mexican-Indian dialects. Staff from the Social Science Research Center and Teachers College also used the GIS resources of the GRMC.

The GRMC also hosted a tour featuring visitors from China on December 7. Representatives from Shanghai Normal University toured the Map Collection, viewing several maps, atlases, and aerial photographs of their city.

The GRMC is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Contact the staff for more information about using the resources of the GRMC for research and learning.