The Serge A. Sauer Map Library was founded in 1966 and is named after its first curator. Serge Sauer was instrumental in beginning a collection that is now nationally and internationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive university map collections.
NOTE:
In May, 2009, the Serge A. Sauer Map Library became part of Western Libraries.
A Western Libraries transition team is working to integrate the Map Library and Data Resources Library (DRL) into a combined unit.
The Serge A. Sauer Map Library has an extensive paper and digital cartographic collection. To assist patrons in acquiring the right material, the library holds a colour photocopier, three scanners and five PC workstations equipped with GIS and graphic design software and a number of digital map viewing programs. For more information, please see the Services page.
Maps and Atlases
- • 222,000 sheet maps, providing global coverage at a variety of scales. This includes all
current paper versions of Canadian federal topographic maps at 1:50,000 and
1:250,000 and all hydrographic charts for Canadian waters. (more info) - • 2065 atlases in both paper and digital format, covering a wide range of themes
and
areas. (more info)
Aerial Photography, Orthoimagery and Satellite Imagery
- • 59,000 air photos, with a special emphasis on Southwestern Ontario. (more info)
- • Extensive digital orthoimagery coverage for Southern
Ontario, and satellite imagery
spanning the entire world. (more info)
Geospatial Data
- • Extensive digital resources, offering worldwide coverage with an emphasis on
Southwestern Ontario. Significant geospatial data resources include Canadian National
Topographic Data, access to the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange (OGDE), Land Info
Worldwide GIS data, DMTI data, digital elevation data, and much more. (more info)
Canadian Fire Insurance Plans
- • A large collection of Fire Insurance Plans for Canadian cities and towns.
FIPs are one
of the most detailed historical urban sources available to researchers. (more info)
Theses and Periodicals
- • Bachelor theses written by students of the Department of Geography for reference use only. (more info)
- • Geography related periodicals, such as National Geographic (complete from 1922 to
present) and the Canadian Geographic (complete from 1950 to present). (more info)
The Serge A. Sauer Map Library holds many research related specialty items and rare and original material. For more information on such items, please consult with the Map Library Reference desk. Specialty material includes:
- • An extensive historical time-series collection of topographical coverage of Canada.
This collection includes successive editions of map series: "1 mile" , "3 mile" and Chief
Geographer's Series 1:250,000, 1:500,000. (more info) - • Early Fire Insurance Plans for Canadian cities and towns. (more info)
- • The Great Lakes special collection, which provides a valuable research resource and
serves scholars from a variety of disciplines. - • Supporter of the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives' Facsimile Series
Project, with 150 historical maps and 14 nineteenth century Canadian city bird's eye
views currently available. (more info)