Map Collection
The Map Collection holds over 223,000 paper maps including topographic, thematic, geology and soil maps, and hydrographic charts. Maps in the collection are issued by Canadian and foreign governments, organizations, and publishers.
We also have a large collection of over 2550 world, regional, national, provincial/state and thematic atlases. The atlas collection covers a wide range of subjects including geology, hydrography, socio-economic factors, culture, health, historical events, transportation, recreation, etc.
A popular set held in the Map Collection are small format (30 x 33 cm) Canadian fire insurance plans printed between 1951 and 1973.
The Map Collection currently holds about 65,000 paper air photos, focusing primarily on London and Southern Ontario. Holdings include print photos dating from 1922 to 2001 and are filed primarily by county.
Aerial photography
The Western Libraries Air Photo Collection App allows users to explore, preview, and download these photos. The app includes over 10,000 air photo listings, with 8,000+ scans and 900+ georeferenced photos. The app will be updated as new items are scanned, georeferenced, and added to the collection.
Fire Insurance Plans
Fire Insurance Plans (FIPs) are urban city maps initially created for insurance companies to provide them with information about building composition and to assess fire risk and assist in assigning insurance rates.
These plans provide details on building construction and usage and help give a static impression of streetscapes, neighbourhoods and business / commercial regions.
Map and atlases
The Map Collection holds over 223,000 paper maps including topographic, thematic, geology and soil maps, and hydrographic charts. Maps in the collection are issued by Canadian and foreign governments, organizations, and publishers. Search the catalogue to find a particular map or atlas.
