Institute of Geography Map Collection of the Institute of Geography

From Antarctica to Cyprus, from agricultural economics to rail transport—the map collection of the Institute of Geography covers a broad spectrum of map sheets, folding and wall maps, as well as 3-D maps depicting most countries of the world and a wide range of subjects

The map collection of the Institute of Geography at Heidelberg University brings together maps from nearly all regions of the world and across a broad thematic range. The collection was presumably established as early as the institute's founding in 1895; today it comprises an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 maps, including map sheets, folding and wall maps, and three-dimensional models. Alongside topographic, geological, and transport-related representations, thematic maps form a central focus. They provide insight into historical concepts of space, people, and environment, for example in relation to population development, the spread of epidemics, or weather observation. The map material is used regularly in research and teaching, particularly in field courses, cartography, and map interpretation. The institute also holds a collection of historical instruments.

All maps may be consulted for study and teaching purposes, and by interested visitors; many of them may be borrowed or digitized on site. A large-format map scanner is available for digitization.