Reference Librarian
801 S. Morgan St.
2-131 LIB
Chicago, IL 60607
Mapping Online @ UIC
UIC has several databases that allow the creation of maps based on demographic and business data.
- SimplyAnalytics
A web-based mapping, analytics, and data visualization application with 100,000+ data variables, including demographic data from the US Census dating back to 1980, the American Community Survey (ACS), consumer spending data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX), and D&B's Points-of-Interest business directory providing access to over 5 million US business profiles. Additionally, users have access to the MRI-SimmonsLOCAL consumer behavior dataset, which includes data on over 8,000 brands, 450 categories and detailed lifestyle data, the PRIZM Premier marketing segmentation system, and the Community Lifestages dataset. The CDC PLACES health data delivered by SimplyAnalytics provides 27 diverse health measures, including Health Outcomes, Prevention, Health Risk Behaviors, and Health Status. Data is largely available down to the block group level, and custom locations can be created.
To save your searches, you need to sign up for an account using your UIC email address.
Access restricted to 5 concurrent users. - Social Explorer
Social Explorer provides access to current and historical census data and demographic information. Create maps and reports to better illustrate, analyze and understand demography and social change.
Note: Social Explorer has developed a new libguide. To see the new libguide, you can go this link here - Data Axle Reference SolutionsFormerly known as ReferenceUSA, this database offers instant, real-time access to in-depth information on millions of U.S businesses and consumers. Find jobs and business opportunities, locate companies nationwide, research business executives, view historical market trends, track down contact information, and discover news articles for research.
- PolicyMap
PolicyMap is an data and mapping tool for accessing data about communities across the U.S. to make better-informed decisions without any prior experience.
Online Map Collections
- National MapThe National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. It has many uses ranging from recreation to scientific analysis to emergency response. The National Map is easily accessible for display on the Web, as products and services, and as downloadable data.
- USGS StoreOn this page you can download USGS maps (7.5', 15', and 30' topographic quadrangles) in TIFF or PDF format- for free.
- Chicago L mapsThese files are scans of authentic antique and contemporary "L"TM maps from throughout the century.
- Library of Congress Map Collection Online
The Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress holds more than 4.5 million items, of which Map Collections represents only a small fraction, those that have been converted to digital form.
The focus of Map Collections is Americana and Cartographic Treasures of the Library of Congress. These images were created from maps and atlases and, in general, are restricted to items that are not covered by copyright protection.
- David Rumsey Historical Map CollectionThe collection focuses on rare 18th and 19th century maps of North and South America, although it also has maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The collection includes atlases, wall maps, globes, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials including pocket, wall, children's, and manuscript maps. Items range in date from about 1700 to 1950s.
- Illinois State Highway mapsFrom the Illinois Digital Archives, state highway maps from 1917 through 2008 - your tax dollars at work.
- NOAA Online Chart ViewerThe National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Coast Survey viewer for coastal charts. A bit clunky but you can see the charts eventually.
- New York City Maps from the NYC Public LibraryFrom the remarkable collection of the New York Public library, this collection has approximately 2,000 images available.
- Historical Map Overlays - National Library of ScotlandHistorical maps of Scotland, primarily from Ordnance Survey maps.
- Institut Cartografic de CatalunyaEnglish translation.
- Third Military Mapping Survey of Austria-HungaryMostly in Hungarian, this is a good collection of Central and eastern European maps from the early 20th Century.
Online Maps from Elsewhere
- Directory of UK Map CollectionsList of map collections in the U.K. Produced by the British Cartographic Society.
- Illinois Public Land Sales ArchivesHistorical records of sales of land from the public domain in the 19th century.