How to Cite a Map in Chicago Format

Understanding Map Citations in Chicago Format

Maps are important primary and secondary sources used in history, geography, and environmental studies. Proper citation of maps helps readers locate the same geographic information and understand the map’s context and creator.

Chicago format for maps includes the cartographer or creator, map title, scale, date, publication information, and location. The format varies slightly for historical maps, online maps, and digital resources.

Chicago Format for Maps (Notes-Bibliography)

Cartographer/Creator First Name Last Name, “Map Title,” date, scale, map collection or publication, location.

Example:

1. Rand McNally, "United States Interstate Highway System," 2023, 1:12,000,000, Rand McNally, Chicago.

Full Note Citation for Historical Maps

Cartographer First Name Last Name, “Map Title,” date, scale, publication information, collection/repository.

Example:

1. David Rumsey, "A Map of the United States of America," 1783, 1:14,400,000, Library of Congress, American Memory Collection.

Bibliography Entry for Map

Cartographer/Creator Last Name, First Name. “Map Title.” Scale. Publisher, Year.

Example:

Rumsey, David. "A Map of the United States of America." 1:14,400,000. Library of Congress, 1783.

Key Citation Elements

Cartographer/Creator

Include the person or organization that created the map.

Map Title

The title appears in quotation marks.

Date

Use the date of map publication or creation.

Scale

Include the map scale (1:5,000,000 or “Scale not given”).

Publisher/Repository

Include where the map was published or is housed.

Location

Include the city of publication or repository location.

Detailed Examples

Contemporary Topographic Map

1. United States Geological Survey, "Moab, Utah Quadrangle," 2023, 1:24,000, USGS, Washington, DC.

Historical Political Boundary Map

2. William Faden, "Map of the United States Exhibiting the Post Offices," 1818, 1:7,000,000, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Digital/Online Map

3. Google Maps, "City of San Francisco," accessed March 15, 2023, https://maps.google.com/maps?q=San+Francisco.

Thematic/Specialty Map

4. National Geographic, "World Climate Zones Map," 2022, 1:50,000,000, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC.

In-Text Citations for Maps

Use superscript numbers corresponding to notes:

The interstate system development reshaped American transportation.¹

The full note would be:

1. Rand McNally, "United States Interstate Highway System," 2023, 1:12,000,000.

Special Cases in Map Citation

Map in Atlas

1. "Japan Physical Map," in *World Atlas*, National Geographic, 2023, p. 234, 1:8,000,000.

Digital Map with Coordinates

2. OpenStreetMap Contributors, "Detailed Street Map," accessed March 16, 2023, https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/37.3382/-121.8863.

Census/Statistical Map

3. U.S. Census Bureau, "2020 Census Population Density Map by County," 2021, 1:35,000,000, Census Bureau, Washington, DC.

Using GenText for Map Citation Management

Managing map citations from various repositories and time periods requires systematic organization. GenText helps by:

• Formatting map citations in proper Chicago style
• Tracking cartographer and creator names
• Managing map scales and publication information
• Organizing maps by date, region, or theme
• Converting between citation styles
• Generating bibliography entries
• Managing digital map URLs and access dates

Common Mistakes with Map Citations

1. Omitting map scale: Always include the scale information.
2. Confusing publisher and repository: Clarify whether citing a published or archival map.
3. Incorrect date: Use the map publication date, not access date for online maps.
4. Missing cartographer information: Include who created the map if known.
5. Incomplete publication information: Always include publisher location.

Checklist for Map Citations

• Cartographer/creator name is accurate
• Map title is in quotation marks
• Date of creation/publication is correct
• Map scale is included
• Publisher name is specified
• Publication location is included
• URL is provided (for online maps)
• Access date is noted (if required for online sources)

Finding Map Information

To gather citation information for maps:

1. Check the map’s title block or legend
2. Verify the cartographer or creator
3. Note the publication date and scale
4. Identify the publisher or repository
5. For online maps, record the URL

Understanding Map Types

Different map types may have specific citation considerations:

• Reference Maps: Show political boundaries, cities, geographic features
• Thematic Maps: Illustrate specific themes (climate, population, economy)
• Historical Maps: Depict geographic information from past periods
• Cadastral Maps: Show property boundaries and ownership
• Navigational Maps: Support transportation and travel

Maps provide visual geographic information that supports analysis and argument. Proper citation acknowledges the cartographer’s work and allows readers to verify geographic claims.