Creating Improved Access to Minnesota Maps and Aerial Photographs Utilizing Online Mapping Technologies

Online mapping and access to online maps has moved into the mainstream. Library users are comfortable using a wide range of mapping applications to find information and to create their own maps. To keep up the pace, libraries have utilized web technologies to provide access to maps and mapping tools in exciting and innovative ways. Learn about three web-applications that were developed to display map information and improve access to print collections of maps. * Kristi Jensen, Head of the John R. Borchert Map Library at the University of Minnesota, will discuss the development of Minnesota Historical Aerial Photographs Online (MHAPO), a Google map mashup which provides access to 70,000 historic air photos for the state of Minnesota. * Lesley Kadish, Curator of GIS and Digital Maps, will demonstrate and discuss the development of True North: Mapping Minnesota\u27s History which provides Minnesota\u27s teachers with the knowledge, curriculum, and tools to teach the state\u27s new graduation standards for geography and history, using online digital resources and applications. In addition, Lesley will introduce their new Mapping Toolbox which includes Google Earth overlays and a preliminary digital map library. * Lisa Johnston, Earth Sciences, Physics, and Astronomy Librarian at the University of Minnesota, will demonstrate MapHappy, a Google Map mashup which enables users to discover print and electronic maps using a geographic interface and marc record data from the library catalog