Map Collection

Maps Historical Digitalised Collections

We have one of the largest map collections in Australia which includes:

  • Several hundred Geographic Information System (GIS) datasets and digital maps,
  • More than 15,000 historic hard copy aerial photographs,
  • More than 5,000 general and thematic atlases,
  • Plans of major cities,
  • Digitised historical maps,
  • Globes,
  • Books and reference works, and
  • More than 100,000 printed maps.

Access the Map Collection

Library Catalogue

You can find most items in our collection in the Library Catalogue.

Some items are not in the catalogue. We can help you access these items, please contact us.

GIS Data and Digital Maps

We provide access to several hundred GIS and digital map datasets.

Aerial Photographs

We hold over 15,000 aerial photos of Melbourne and Victoria.

Rare and Historical Maps

We have a collection of over 15,000 rare and historical maps, many related to the history of Melbourne.

Topographic and Geological Maps

We hold:

  • Over 700 topographic printed map series, at scales between 1:1 000 000 and 1:25 000, and
  • Over 20,000 maps covering geological and geophysical themes.

Land and Soil Reports

Our collection of reports on land use and classification for Victorian and Australia includes:

  • Land Conservation Council studies,
  • Soil Conservation Authority reports, and
  • CSIRO studies.
    Library Catalogue

Regions

Melbourne, Victoria and Australia

Our collection focuses on Melbourne, Victoria and Australia and includes:

  • Large scale cadastral plans,
  • Aerial photographs,
  • Maps of administrative boundaries, subdivision plans and goldfield maps,
  • Geological and soil maps, conservation and planning studies,
  • Historical maps,
  • Topographic maps, and
  • Specialised thematic maps.

World

We also have comprehensive topographic maps of the world and many on themes such as:

  • Political boundaries,
  • Vegetation types,
  • Geology and soils,
  • Language groups, and
  • Energy resources.

Our collection strengths include:

  • East Asia,
  • South-East Asia,
  • The Middle East,
  • The British Isles,
  • Central America, and
  • The Pacific region.
Contact us for any of the following services.

RESEARCH CONSULTATIONS

We provide research consultations for University of Melbourne staff members and graduate students.  Arrange an appointment with one of our experts via Book a research consultation.

REQUESTS

If we do not have the data or other resources you need, make a request.

HELP

We can help you find and use the maps and data in our collection.

TUTORIALS AND LECTURES

We can provide tutorials and lectures on topic such as how to find and use maps and spatial data.

TOURS

We provide tours of the Map Collection and its facilities on request.

SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS

We have a computer room in the Map Collection area on Level 4 of the Eastern Resource Centre Library.

Software available on the computers includes but not limited to:

  • GIS ArcGIS
  • MapInfo

CD and DVD burners are also available.

Make an appointment to use a computer.

UNIVERSITY DIGITISATION CENTRE

The University Digitisation Centre provides advice and a range of digitisation services to the University community.

BORROW

You usually cannot borrow items from the Map Collection, but contact us to make a special request to borrow an item.

Ask a Question

If you have a quick research question email maps-info@unimelb.edu.au.

For more in-depth assistance, book a research consultation and one of our Map Librarians will contact you.