Maps

We have one of the largest collections of maps, plans and topographical views in the world, numbering some 4.5 million, with a chronological spread of over 2,000 years.

Collection guides

King George III Topographical and Maritime collections
30–40,000 maps, plans and views, both printed and hand-drawn, of all parts of the world
Globes
Terrestrial and celestial globes dating back to 1600 and gores dating to 1544
Digital mapping
Geospatial data, cartographic applications, digital aerial photography and scanned-in historic map materials
Manuscript maps
Cartography from the Middle Ages to the present
Ordnance survey mapping
The most comprehensive, publicly accessible collection of Ordnance Survey maps in the world
War Office Archive maps
Military intelligence maps and associated documents relating to East Africa

View all related guides

Help

How to get a British Library Reader Pass

Maps Reading Room

Find information on the shelves
Access online databases and electronic books and journals
Order collection items to the Reading Room via our catalogues

If you need help, ask our Information Specialists at the enquiry desk or contact the Maps Reference Service Team.

We offer a range of free Reader sessions and 1-2-1 consultations to help you make the best use of the Library's collections.

You’ll need a Reader Pass

Mon: 10.00 – 17.00
Tue – Sat: 09.30 – 17.00
Sun & English Public Holidays: closed

Mon 10.00 – 20.00
Tue - Thu 09.30 – 20.00
Fri – Sat 09.30 – 17.00
Sun & English Public Holidays Closed - See more at: http://www.bl.uk/subjects/news-media#sthash.Wb5AILRq.dpuf

Opening hours for all Reading Rooms

Blog posts

Remigius Hogenberg's view of Münster

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

An early print from the British Library’s map collection is currently on display at the Stadtmuseum Münster in an exhibition entitled Münster 1570: History and stories from the capital of Westphalia. It is a panorama of the town of Münster...

Georeferencing maps from George III’s atlases and albums

Thursday, March 3, 2022

The second tranche of maps from George III’s Topographical Collection have been released onto the Georeferencer platform recently and the platform is already a hive of activity! British Library colleagues have selected the 7891 images that depict maps from the...

PhD placement opportunity - Japanese maps

Monday, February 21, 2022

The Map collection is offering a 3-month placement for a PhD candidate to work with the British Library’s collection of pre-1900 Japanese produced maps. With the deadline for applications fast approaching this Friday 25th February, here is a final attempt...

Radical mapping

Friday, February 11, 2022

I recently participated in a discussion panel with the LivingMaps network as part of the launch of their ‘'New Directions in Radical Cartography: why the map is never the territory’. Edited by Prof Phil Cohen and Dr Mike Duggan, this...