The default field for searching is the "Map Description" category.  You will need to select "Map Author" or "Map Number" if you want to search under these headings. 

The date range option will work by itself.  Entering "1700" to "1725" will bring up all our cataloged maps for that period.  Keep in mind we always have a backlog of 100 to 200 maps that have not been entered into the database. 

The "and/or" commands can be used to narrow or widen your search. 

The "and" command means that you want maps that fit BOTH of your queries. 

Example: 

    "Jefferys" in "Map Author" 
    "and" 
    "St. Augustine" in "Map Description" 

Results:  You will get Thomas Jefferys' maps of St. Augustine. [You are telling the search engine to find the maps of St. Augustine that were made by Thomas Jefferys]. 

The "or" command means that you want the description to find ALL cases of your first query and ALL cases of your second query. 

Example: 

    "Jefferys" in "Map Author" 
    "or" 
    "St. Augustine" in "Map Description" 

Results:  You will get all of Jefferys' maps and all of the maps of St. Augustine. [You are telling the search engine to find the maps made by Thomas Jefferys as well as any maps of St. Augustine]. 
 

You will get the best results if you keep your queries simple.  For instance, if you want to find a particular cartographer, search by the last name. 

Example:  "Gauld" in "Map Author" to get George Gauld (entered into the database as "Gauld, George"). 

It is also best to use one word or short phrase per query box. 

Example:  "Pensacola" "or" "Santa Maria"  will bring up maps on Pensacola and Santa Maria de Galvez. 
                If you enter the date range "1700" to "1800" you will get only the maps of the 18th century. 

Useful terms and hints: 

"St. Johns" and "St. Marys" are in the database without apostrophes.  Most other river names have an apostrophe. 

If you choose the "Map Description" and enter "Census" you will locate our maps of census enumeration districts. 

If you choose "Map Author" and enter "Coast Survey" "or" "Geodetic Survey" you will locate our U.S. Coast Survey and U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey maps. 

Most maps have keywords that correct archaic spellings.  For instance, searching for Suwannee [modern spelling] should locate maps that spell the river or county as Suwanee and Suwanne. 

If you have questions or problems, contact the curator, Dr. James Cusick, at (352) 392-0369 or jamcusi@mail.uflib.ufl.edu.