Skip to Main Content
Research Guides

Maps & Cartographic Information: Place Names & Gazetteers

Search tips for finding maps, atlases, aerial photos, GIS, and other cartographic materials.

Frequently Used Resources

Gazetteers & the Collection

Generally, the most current information is available online (see Frequently Used Resources above).

Suzzallo Library also has gazetteers in book, microfiche, and electronic form for most U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and countries of the world.

Catalog Search Tips: Place Names & Gazetteers

  1. Use a KEYWORDS search.
  2. In the text box, type in "gazetteers" and your geographic area.
    Ex. gazetteers Africa
    gazetteers France
    gazetteers Washington State

Related Terms & Definitions

Gazetteers are indexes that list place names in alphabetical order, often with geographic coordinates so that the user can find the place on a map. Some gazetteers give additional information, such as the derivation of the name.

Where can I buy gazetteers?