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Posted by: Meagan Snow
The Geography & Map Division recently acquired a rare collection of maps showing the locations of television and movie filming locations in Los Angeles, California from the 1980s. This blog post explores the cartographic and cultural value of these exceedingly unique and eminently practical maps of Los Angeles.
Posted in: 21st century cartography, American History, Guest Posts
Posted by: Lena Mattson
On July 1, 1957, an unprecedented period of global scientific collaboration known as the International Geophysical Year began. Artificial satellites were launched, planetary weather observations were made for the first time, the understanding of plate tectonics was established, and more. Learn how the Army Map Service played a critical role during the IGY, providing the calculations that launched the U.S. into the space race.
Posted in: 20th century cartography, Big Data and Visualization, Exploration
Posted by: Amelia Raines
This blog post is an interview with Robert Morris, G&M’s recently retired acquisitions specialist. Robert worked in the division for almost 40 years, building the division’s collections and shaping its collection development policies through the decades.
Posted in: Geography and Map Division, Guest Posts
Posted by: Amelia Raines
For several hundred years, the term "Tartary" - or its Latin version, Tartaria - appeared on European maps, usually floating somewhere between Eastern Europe and China. This post explores the etymology of the place name and the various regions to which it referred.
Posted in: 15th century cartography, 16th century cartography, 17th century cartography, 18th century cartography, 19th century cartography, Asian History, Borders, European History
Posted by: Julie Stoner
An armillary sphere is a model of the heavens featuring a central globe with a framework of rings around it that represent celestial bodies and features. This blog post will discuss these astronomical objects, highlighting the division’s oldest globe and armillary sphere, made by Caspar Vopell in 1543.
Posted in: 16th century cartography
Posted by: Tim St. Onge
The Geography and Map Division collections include vibrant nineteenth century maps showcasing brand new American communities and promises of the "good life" to prospective lot or home buyers. This post explores the common themes and fascinating details of these highly artistic maps designed to lure investment.
Posted in: 19th century cartography, American History, City Histories
Posted by: Amelia Raines
Join us on Tuesday, June 10 at 3pm Eastern for a virtual orientation to maps of the Second World War at the Library of Congress.
Posted in: Events, Geography and Map Division
Posted by: Meagan Snow
Learn more about our Philip Lee Phillips Society Fellow for 2025 Applications are now open for Philip Lee Phillips Society Fellowship at the Library of Congress. Scholars of the history of cartography, Geographic Information Science (GIS), digital humanities, or related fields are encouraged to apply for this fellowship to conduct research that utilizes the collections of the Geography and Map Division.
Posted in: Geography and Map Division
Posted by: Abraham Parrish
An exploration of Earth’s magnetic field through maps.
Posted in: 16th century cartography, 18th century cartography, 19th century cartography, 20th century cartography