The Library of Congress, the national library of the United States, has made over 36,000 maps from its Geography and Map Division available online for free download and consultation. The collection spans from the 12th century to the present day, with the richest material concentrated between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Collection scope and content
The maps originate from cartographers and sources across the globe, though many focus on the United States. In addition to standard geographical maps, the archive includes complete books, pamphlets, city plans, and celestial charts. Notable examples in the collection range from Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 “Universalis cosmographia” and early 16th-century Portuguese navigation charts to Chinese maps from the 1730s–1800s, detailed city plans of Paris (1733), Amsterdam (1727), and Washington D.C. (1820), and celestial planispheres by Andreas Cellarius and collaborators (1708).
Access and format
All maps are available in high resolution and can be viewed online or downloaded without charge. The collection includes materials from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, representing centuries of cartographic knowledge and exploration records.
Frequently asked questions
What time periods does the collection cover?
The maps range from the 12th century to the present day, with the 19th and 20th centuries being the most extensively represented periods.
Are all maps specific to the United States?
While many maps focus on the United States, the collection includes maps from cartographers worldwide and covers all regions of the globe, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
What file formats are available for download?
The maps are available in high resolution for online consultation and free download, though the source does not specify particular file formats.