
The academic discipline of Geography is split into two main sub-areas: Physical Geography, and Human Geography.
From a spatial perspective Physical Geography looks at the natural world through a scientific lens and Human Geography looks at humans and human culture through a social sciences lens.
Atlas of the Pacific Northwest (2019 OSU Libraries & Press)Fully-interactive online regional map.
Background Information
Credo Topics: Geography. Academic background information for your research. FilmsOnDemand: GeographyScholarly Journals
Cartography
The study of and creation of maps, informed by the study of graphic design and human perception and cognition (a thorough History of Cartography is available from the University of Chicago Press).
Finding Maps Online
- The National Map – U.S. Geological Survey Topography
- Library of Congress General Map Collections Digitized maps from the Library of Congress.
- Map History Everything about the history of maps including old maps, early maps and non-current maps in general. Maintained by Tony Campbell.
- Interactive Maps – U.S. Census Bureau Work with interactive mapping tools from across the Census Bureau.
Finding Maps @ the Library
The library houses a collection of maps you can check out such as:

- Flat Maps: Located by the Circulation Desk
- Rolled Maps: Mainly for classroom use but are available upon request. Please ask for assistance.
- Folded Maps: Shelved in the Stack
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
In recent years GIS have been added to the geographer’s repertoire. GIS uses computers as a tool for analyzing spatial data. GIS data can also be used in cartography.
- QGIS – A free and open source Geographic Information System.
- “Spatial Thinking in Planning Practice: An Introduction to GIS” from Portland State University Library.