Travel / Maps / Geography

 START with these databases:

• Historic Map Works
This high quality, full color digital collection of historic maps is one of the most extensive available. The core of the collection consists of over 1.5 million maps of the United States and the world.
• LiveMocha
LiveMocha offers accessible and engaging online language courses in 35 languages. With more than 9 million members from 195 countries, LiveMocha's online learning community allows people around the world to help each other learn and communicate with native speakers in a fun and friendly way.
• Sanborn Maps, Illinois
Sanborn maps are large-scale plans of a city or town from 1867-1970. The maps list street blocks and building numbers in use at the time the map was made and previous numbers.

Additional databases to search:

•  Credo Reference
A great place to begin research on any subject. Includes more than 500 trusted titles from over 70 publishers, plus relevant links to other quality sources.
• CultureGrams
Features cultures of 182 countries, including maps, statistics, photographs, national anthems, recipes and currency converters. Includes information about each U.S. state as well.
• Curriculum Resource Center
Student-oriented database, including historical timelines, 400 maps, science and anatomy diagrams, science experiments, mathematics exercises, and physical education and health topics.
• Mango Languages
Easy and fun online language-learning system teaches conversation skills for a wide variety of languages. Great for travelers, beginners and ESL students. Listen, repeat, and learn using material designed from native conversations. Watch video.
•  Rand McNally Classroom
Features maps, games, activities and geographic reference information.
• Transparent Language Online / Byki
Allows library patrons to follow a simple, linear, learning progression, or jump right in and explore the many, exciting language and culture resources. With 80+ languages to choose from, there is something for every language learner. Those familiar with Byki™ Online can rest assured; Transparent Language Online contains the entire collection of Byki material and much more.
• World Geography and Culture
Reproducible, full-color maps, flags, statistics, images, and information about a location's geography, government, history, society, and culture.