1. Geologic Maps
3rd Floor Map Room
Owen Science and Engineering Library
Washington State University

2. Finding your Geologic Map
Search the library catalog, Search It, for geological maps of your area.
Example searches:
Search your geographic terms, and the words
map geolog* "Owyhee County"
“geologic” and “map.”
map geolog* Pullman
map geolog* "grand coulee"
Titles of maps vary.
map geolog* Mt. Rainier
Try searching for geological
map geolog* Mount Rainier
features, valleys, rivers, watersheds, mountai
ns, mountain
ranges, counties, quadrangles, regions.

3. Locating a Map
Locate map record in Search It, look for the symbol (
Location
Owen Science and Engineering Library
Map Room, 3rd Floor
) that indicates a map.
Write down the call
number
Go to the proper
cabinet or drawer
number

4. Places to get keywords for your map search
– Roadmaps
– Geographical Names
Information System
(GNIS)
http://geonames.usgs.g
ov
– Travel guides
– State Geological Survey
websites
– Encyclopedias
– Wikipedia (use this only
–
–
–
–
to find words to search
with)
Geological features
(i.e.
valleys, rivers, watershed
s, mountains, mountain
ranges, etc.)
Counties
Quadrangles
Regions

5. If you cannot find your map in Search It
Look for maps online:
• Geology departments of each state
• Geologist/geological organizations
• Online at varying websites
(See presentation: “Searching for Geologic Maps Online”)
*Maps can also be included in books and reports about the area.

6. Scan/Copy your map
• Photocopier on 1st floor toward
south windows. You will need
cougar cash.
• There are scanners available in
3rd floor map room and 1st floor.
• Scanning instructions are
next to the scanner.
• Place the weight on your
map to assure a clear
picture

7. Done with your map?
Please leave it on
the table in the map
room next to the
scanners
OR
At the circulation
desk on the 1st floor.

8. Didn’t find your map? Need Help?
Make an appointment
with a librarian
Come to an open
help session
OR
Betty Galbraith
bettyg@wsu.edu
Chelsea Leachman
chelsea.leachman@wsu.edu
Eileen Brady
brady@wsu.edu