To access the descriptions and inventories of the map collections, browse alphabetically by fonds or collection title. Please note that sheet maps in the George Beans and George Bonn collections have been digitized and are available online.

The cartographic archives in Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) include architectural and engineering drawings, maps, plans, and admiralty charts.

Collections in the cartographic archives may be acquired individually, as a collection of cartographic items, or as part of a collection of records in another format (e.g textual records). The two private libraries of Frederic William Howay and Robie Reid, for example, include maps as well as books, manuscripts, and photographs. In some cases, a collection of maps forms part of an individual's collections of research materials (e.g. R.C Harris fonds).

Map collections may also be acquired from organizations or corporations. For example, fire insurance plans of British Columbia municipalities accompany the textual records of the Insurers' Advisory Organization, Pacific Region. RBSC's largest industrial collection is the British Columbia Electric Railway fonds. Ranging in date from 1861-1961, this collection includes 650 maps, engineering and architectual drawings used by the company.

This section of the website includes descriptions and inventories (if available) of RBSC maps in the cartographic archives. If available, links are provided to other related materials held in the RBSC's Manuscript Collections. If you are new to archival research, the Archival Research Tutorial will provide you with an overview of doing research in Rare Books and Special Collections.