Research Resources:
Electronic Reference Sources:
Maps and Travel
Flags
Betsy Ross Homepage
Contains information about Betsy Ross; the history of the U.S. flag; flag laws and etiquette; an American Flags Picture Gallery; and more.
Flag of the United States: The Stars and Stripes
Historical information on the American flag including images, specifications, etiquette, etc.
Flags of All Countries
Alphabetical list of countries with links to flag images, and subsequent links to maps and basic facts about the countries. The site also includes a Flag Identifier for identifying flags based on pattern or design.
Flags of the World
Extensive text and images relating to flags, with multiple access options.
Guide to American Flags
Images of U.S. state flags; U.S. national flags; and flags of U.S. districts, territories, and possessions.
Our Flag
Online version of a document from the U.S. Joint Committee on Printing. Covers history; laws and regulations; presentation and care; and related subjects.
World Factbook: Flags of the World
Images of flags from around the world with links to country profiles.
World Flag Database
An easy to use indexed and searchable database of world flags.
Foreign Exchange
Currency Exchange Rates
Quotes for current exchange rates for world currencies as compared to the US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, British pound, Japanese yen, or Swiss franc.
FXConverter - Currency Converter for 164 Currencies
View exchange rates and historical exchange rates for 164 currencies for any day. Updated daily.
Full Universal Currency Converter
Contains currency information on over 180 currencies in over 250 geographical locations.
What was the Exchange Rate Then?
Provides exchange rate data for any year or range of years between foreign currencies and the United States dollar. Coverage for most countries begins in the early 1900s and ends in 2005; data for the United Kingdom spans 1791-2005. Also includes explanations of the exchange rates, significant changes in currencies, and related information and links.
Geography, Maps, and Atlases
Aerial and Satellite Images
Google Maps
Includes maps, satellite images, and directions with a simple search interface.
National Geographic Mapmachine
Includes road maps, physical maps, and satellite images.
TerraFly
Searchable by address, place name, or geographic coordinates, this site retrieves aerial images of locations in the United States. Maps and images are supplied through a partnership between Florida International University, the National Science Foundation, NASA, the United States Geological Survey, and IBM. Browse and Advanced search modes include the option to search for world cities.
TerraServer-USA
A huge repository of aerial photographs, satellite images, and topographical maps. Maps and images are supplied through a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Driving Directions and Distance
Google Maps
Includes maps, satellite images, and directions with a simple search interface.
How Far Is It?
This service uses data from the US Census and a supplementary list of cities around the world to find the latitude and longitude of two places, and then calculates the distance between them (as the crow flies).
MapQuest
Maps and driving directions for addresses worldwide.
MapsOnUs
Maps and driving directions for any U.S. address.
MSN Maps & Directions
Produces maps of any U.S. street address with driving directions; also quick maps for cities worldwide.
National Traffic and Road Closure Information
From the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the site includes a clickable map and links to information on traffic, road closures, and road conditions.
Rand McNally Maps & Directions: Mileage
Provides estimated mileage and driving time between two U.S. locations. Also includes links to online driving directions, maps, and information on planning a road trip.
Yahoo! Maps
Maps and driving directions for the U.S. and Canada.
Gazetteers and Geographic Names
Canadian Geographical Names
An interactive and authoritative source for official and formerly official geographical names in Canada. Searchable by name, coordinates, or CGNDB Unique Identifier. Results include basic locational information, simple maps showing general locations of selected features, the ability to calculate point-to-point distance to a second place name, and more.
Columbia Gazetteer of North America
A full-text searchable version covering every incorporated place and county in the United States, along with several thousand unincorporated places, special-purpose sites, and physical features, as well as Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Geographic Names Information System
Developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). As the official repository of domestic geographic names information, it contains information about almost 2 million physical and cultural geographic features in the United States. Links to information on Foreign Names, Antarctic Names, and Undersea Features are also provided.
GEOnet Names Server (GNS)
As the official repository of foreign place-names from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the database provides access to foreign geographic feature names.
Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names On Line
Developed primarily for the field of art history; contains more than one million place names, historical and current.
U.S. Gazetteer: 2000 and 1990
From the U.S. Census Bureau, files for 2000 are downloadable. 1990 files can be searched or downloaded.
General and Miscellaneous
Atlapedia Online
Contains physical and political maps, plus facts, figures and statistical data on geography, climate, people, religion, language, history, economy, and related topics.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Dictionary
Includes definitions for terms which either relate directly to GIS or which GIS users may come across in the course of their work. Supplemented by diagrams.
Geology.com: U.S. Map Collections
Includes relief, elevation, drainage, political, and road Maps for every state. The site also includes world maps and satellite images.
National Atlas of the United States
Interactive and multimedia maps from the U.S. Geological Survey that provide information on agriculture, biology, boundaries, climate, environment, geology, history, people, transportation, water, and more.
National Geographic Mapmachine
Includes road maps, physical maps, and satellite images.
National Geologic Map Database
Provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, the site includes a searchable Geoscience Map Catalog with map images, lexicon of Geologic Names, and a database of New Mapping in progress. Also, information about maps and related data for: geology, hazards, earth resources, geophysics, geochemistry, geochronology, paleontology, and marine geology.
National Map
An online interactive map service for United States geospatial data information from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection
An extensive collection of online maps of all countries of the world, polar regions and oceans, and the United States; many historical maps; world city maps; world time zone maps; and links to other online resources.
Portals to the World
Selective links collected by the U.S. Library of Congress providing authoritative, in-depth information about the nations and other areas of the world.
United Nations Cartographic Section: Maps and Geographic Information Resources
Includes general maps in PDF format, peacekeeping maps, thematic maps, and a link to the UN Map Library in New York City.
WorldAtlas.com
Includes maps, flags, distances, and other information for continents, countries, dependencies, islands, territories, lakes, rivers, seas, oceans, and mountains.
Historical Maps
David Rumsey Map Collection
An extensive collection of online images from the David Rumsey Collection of 18th and 19th century North and South America maps and other cartographic materials. Historic maps of the World, Europe, Asia and Africa are also represented. Includes old and antique atlas, globe, school geography, maritime chart, state, county, city, pocket, wall, children, and manuscript maps.
Historical Maps of New Jersey
A collection of local and state historical maps, most of Rutgers, New Brunswick, and New Jersey, with links to other historical map sites.
Images of early maps on the web
Part of the Map History / History of Cartography site, includes more than 1,200 links to sites that include map images.
Map Archive
A large collection of ancient and modern maps, with the long term goal of becoming the largest online collection of maps.
Map Collections
Digital maps from the Library of Congress collection, covering the 16th century to the present day. The collection may be searched by keyword or browsed by geographic location, subject, creator, or title. Broad subject divisions include Cities and Towns; Conservation and Environment; Discovery and Exploration; Cultural Landscapes; Military Battles and Campaigns; Transportation and Communication; and General Maps.
Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection
An extensive collection of online maps of all countries of the world, polar regions and oceans, and the United States; many historical maps; world city maps; world time zone maps; and links to other online resources.
U.S. Congressional Serial Set, 1817-1980 [Rutgers Restricted]
A full text database of key publications of the United States Congress, including journals, reports, documents, and more than 50,000 maps. Still a work in progress, the database will cover the 15th through the 96th Congresses (1817 to 1980) when complete. Use the Advanced Search feature to limit a search to maps.
Internet Gateways
geodata.gov: U.S. Maps and Data
A web-based portal for access to federal, state, and local maps, data, and other geospatial services.
Geography Network
Use Explorer to search for information on a place using specific criteria such as theme, keyword, or type of content. Much of the content may be accessed or downloaded for free.
GeoSource
A directory of web resources for human geography, physical geography, planning, geoscience, and environmental science.
Map History / History of Cartography
Billed as "THE Gateway to the Subject," the site provides a global overview of the history of cartography as well as links to thousands of related sites, including more than 1,200 links to Images of early maps on the web.
Oddens' Bookmarks
A database of more than 20,000 links relating to maps, cartography and GIS data.
Places OnLine
Map-based links to place-based websites selected by the Association of American Geographers.
World of Maps: a Gateway for Maps and Mapping
Maps, spacial data, and GIS on the Internet - and how to find them. Links to catalogues of map holdings, map collections, and map archives; map curatorship and map history; map institutions; map events; and more.
Postal Information
Addressing
From the Universal Postal Union, the site explains international post codes and letter addressing formats, with sample addresses.
Free Zip Code and Address Information
Look up any U.S. address and get the ZIP+4 code, area code, time zone, county, latitude, longitude, census tract number, and more. Also provides ZIP codes by county, within a specified radius, distance between ZIP codes, and other information.
Postal Explorer
A virtual library of postal information from the U.S. Postal Service, including publications such as the Domestic Mail Manual and the International Mail Manual.
Postal Rates.info
Mail information including rates, codes, and postal authorities for countries worldwide.
United States Postal Service
The official USPS web site, including stamp information; mail tracking and delivery confirmation;
ZIP code lookup and address information; rate calculators; and change of address information.
Travel and Transportation
Airlines, Cars, and Places to Stay
Airlines of the Web
Extensive information on all aspects of air travel, including information on airlines worldwide; airport codes and information; airplane specifications and pictures; and online reservation systems for air travel, car rentals, and hotels.
AirNinja
Simple search functions for airline pricing from a variety of major travel sites as well as discount airline sites often overlooked by the major travel sites. HotelNinja provides equivalent information for hotels.
All-Hotels
Includes a directory of more than 120,000 hotels worldwide with price and reservation information.
Cheap Tickets
Find and book flights, hotel reservations, car rentals, and more.
Excite - Travel
Includes flight, hotel, car, package, and cruise search and reservation options as well as travel tools and other features.
Expedia
Includes booking information and travel planning tools.
Hostelz.com
Lists information about all hostels worldwide and provides reviews from people who have stayed in the hostels.
International Student Travel Center
Travel links and discounts for international student travel.
Priceline.com
A buying service that lets you name your price for domestic and international airline tickets; hotel rooms; and other travel related items.
Rental Cars & Car Rental Discounts
A one-stop car rental site for quick online reservations with auto rental companies.
Travelocity
Airline tickets, hotel accommodations, and car reservations online.
Buses and Subways
Greyhound Bus
Information on fares and schedules; services; and discounts and special offers.
Suburban Transit
Information on fares, schedules, and charters.
Subway Navigator
Find routes in subway systems in many cities around the world.
Subway Page
Links to world subway and other transportation information resources, including: maps, navigation aids, transit guides, bibliographies, and images.
Embassies and Tourism Offices
EmbassyWorld
Search each country for host and guest embassies and consulates. Includes both embassies of other nations in the United States and United States embassies worldwide.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
Lists only official government tourism offices; convention and visitors bureaus; chambers of commerce; and similar agencies that provide free, accurate, and unbiased travel information to the public.
Foreign Languages
Dictionaries: Foreign Language RU Libraries Electronic Reference Sources
A collection of links to foriegn language dictionaries and translation sites.
Foreign Languages for Travelers
Foreign language resources for many languages, including the basic words necessary for foreign travel, and foreign language-to-English dictionaries.
Passports, Visas, and Customs
Consular Affairs Bureau - U.S. State Department
Includes information on obtaining passports and visas; information for Americans abroad; travel warnings; and many links to other relevant government sites.
Customs & Border Protection - U.S. Homeland Security Department: Travel
Important information for travelers entering or leaving the United States, including publications and forms; customs requirements; restricted or prohibited merchandise; importation of medications and drugs; pets and animals; mailing goods to the U.S.; border inspection; and U.S. Customs Office locations.
Trains
Amtrak
Browse schedules and fares; purchase tickets; and obtain information on special offers and services.
New Jersey Transit
Includes train, bus, and light rail schedules; information on fares; travel alerts and advisories; transit news; and other resources.
Rail Europe
Search the fares and schedules database for ticket prices and schedules of destinations throughout Europe. Also purchase rail passes, and design vacation packages.
Railpass
Order Eurail, Britrail, and other travel passes online; plan trips; and obtain travel advice.
VIA Rail Canada
Schedules and fares; railroad maps; information on special services and rates; and more.
Travel Guides
CitySearch
Provides up-to-date information regarding arts and entertainment events; community activities; recreation; business; shopping; professional services; and news/sports/weather for metropolitan areas, primarily in the United States.
CNN Travel
Travel news and feature stories, with links to other travel resources.
Concierge
Includes profiles on travel destinations, vacation bargains, feature stories, and more.
Fodors.com
Official website of the largest publisher of English-language travel information in the world. Provides up-to-date travel information.
Frommer's
Analysis and commentary on travel issues, with excerpts from Frommer's Guidebooks, and a newsletter.
InfoHub Specialty Travel Guide
Bills itself as the "largest theme-oriented travel portal on the Internet."
Lonely Planet
Online version of the popular travel guides. Includes profiles of travel destinations, pictures, stories, bulletin board, links, and weekly travel news.
National Park Service
Includes information on the history and natural resources of America's National Parks, visiting the parks, and more. Find a park using the alphabetical list, or search by location or special topic.
National Traffic and Road Closure Information
From the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the site includes a clickable map and links to information on traffic, road closures, and road conditions.
Recreation.gov
Information on recreational sites and activities on federal lands.
Specialty Travel Index
Directory of adventure vacations and special interest travel worldwide. Includes detailed information about unusual vacations offered by tour operators and outfitters around the globe.
USA CityLink
The USA CityLink Project is a comprehensive listing of U.S. states and cities offering information on travel, tourism, and relocation.
Travel Health
Travel Health Online
Information on international travel health and safety. Includes individual country profiles and a list of travel medicine providers worldwide.
Travelers' Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A resource for international health news, including: disease outbreaks; geographic health recommendations; and reference material for international travel, including vaccine recommendations and food and water precautions.
