Subject Guides: Maps, Atlases and Gazetteers: Online Directories, Geographic Dictionaries & Gazetteers

Online Directories for Maps and Map Sites

Images of Early Maps on the Web The Institute of Historical Research in London, England, has compiled a collection of links to images of early maps on the Web that covers the world.
The National Geologic Map Database A database containing USGS and AASG generated maps from the individual states. Searchable by title, author, or map interface.

Online Geographic Dictionaries & Gazetteers

British History Online - Topographical Dictionary of England A description of every place in England.
Canadian Geographic Names
Dictionary of Abbreviations and Acronyms in Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, and Remote Alphabetical listing of abbreviations and acronyms.

Estonia Place Names Database This link opens in a new window Since independence in 1991, Estonia has renamed a number of its towns and cities. Some, back to their pre-Soviet occupation names. This English searchable database, provides access to current as well as variant place names within Estonia and elsewhere. Once a query is submitted, maps are viewable by clicking on GeoNames in the Coordinates field. Details for each map pin are viewable by clicking on the pin icon next to the name listed below.

Estonia Place Names Database Since independence in 1991, Estonia has renamed a number of its towns and cities. Some, back to their pre-Soviet occupation names. This English searchable database, provides access to current as well as variant place names within Estonia and elsewhere. Once a query is submitted, maps are viewable by clicking on GeoNames in the Coordinates field. Details for each map pin are viewable by clicking on the pin icon next to the name listed below.
Gazetteer for Scotland At least 21136 detailed entries.
Gazetteer of Australian Place Names
Gazetteer to AMS 1:25,000 Maps of East Germany This gazetteer lists geographical place names for the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany), and provides along with the place name, its Designation or type, Grid Reference, Latitude, Longitude, and the Sheet Number to the Army Map Service 1:25,000 scale M841 series.
Gazetteer to AMS 1:25,000 Maps of West Germany Volume 1 (A.D. Affenberg to Haszfelden) This gazetteer lists geographical place names for the Federal Republic of German (West Germany) from A.D. AFFENBERG to HASZFELDEN, and provides along with the place name, its Designation or type, Grid Reference, Latitude, Longitude, and the Sheet Number to the Army Map Service 1:25,000 scale series.
Gazetteer to AMS 1:25,000 Maps of West Germany Volume 2 (Hateler-B to Ozental) This gazetteer lists geographical place names for the Federal Republic of German (West Germany) from HATELER-B to OZENTAL, and provides along with the place name, its Designation or type, Grid Reference, Latitude, Longitude, and the Sheet Number to the Army Map Service 1:25,000 scale series.
Gazetteer to AMS 1:25,000 Maps of West Germany Volume 3 (P Kerhof to 100 Morgen) This gazetteer lists geographical place names for the Federal Republic of German (West Germany) from P KERHOF to 100 MORGEN, and provides along with the place name, its Designation or type, Grid Reference, Latitude, Longitude, and the Sheet Number to the Army Map Service 1:25,000 scale series.
Gazetteer of the Northwest Territories A 200+ page pdf file.
GENUKI - UK & Ireland Genealogy A database of church, society, and register offices in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The JewishGen Communities Database and JewishGen Gazetteer Search for Jewish communities and named places in Eastern Europe, many of which no longer exist.
Latin American Network Information Center
Northern Territory Place Names Register Simply type in the place name you desire. A spatial search for a place name can be made using the Northern Territory Atlas link provided.
Origins of Canada's Geographical Names Assembled is some information on the names of Canada's provinces, territories, and capital cities; origins of some Aboriginal community names; and a variety of articles on interesting names across the country.
Quebec Place Names - Commission de toponymie du Quebec (French Only) Includes aboriginal and municipal place names.
ScotlandsPlaces Allows you to search locations in Scotland, which results in a list and brief description. Click on the name and more details will appear, including photos and a location map.
South Australia State Site Allows you to download the State Gazetteer, Suburbs and rural localities list, and related information.
U.S. Gazetteer Produced by the U.S. Census Bureau. Includes downloadable gazetteer files in 10 year increments, for multiple censuses, covering multiple census categories.