Citing a map

You should include the following information in your bibliography, the exact style will vary according to the citation system you are using:

1. Name of author or issuing body
2. Year in brackets 
3. Title of map in italics or underlined (including the sheet number if part of a series) 
4. Edition if not the first 
5. Scale (give as a ratio if possible eg 1:25 000) 
6. Title of map series if appropriate 
7. Place of publication
8. Publisher

Examples

Ordnance Survey. (2002). Sheet 175, Reading & Windsor: Henley-on-Thames & Bracknell. Ed. C1. 1:50 000. OS Landranger map. Southampton: Ordnance Survey.

International Travel Maps. (2006). Alps. 1:750 000. Vancouver, B.C.: ITMB Publishing.

Dower, J. (1832). A map shewing the parliamentary representation of England & Wales, according as the same are settled by the Reform Act passed 7th June 1832. 1 inch to 35 miles. London: J. Gardner.

Further help

The following site offers further guidance on citing maps:

• Brock University: How to reference maps, atlases, air photos and digital resources  - offers more detailed guidance to citing particular types of maps. Includes geospatial digital resources.

Back to Citing references