Full access to our collections is available for current University of Waterloo students, faculty, and staff.
The Geospatial Centre has a large collection of both data and cartographic resources.
Canadian geospatial data resources
The Geospatial Centre collects a variety of geospatial data to suit the teaching and research needs of faculty, staff and students. The strength of the collection is in Canadian geospatial data resources, particularly in Southern Ontario. However, the Geospatial Centre also collects data at the U.S. and world levels.
U.S. and world geospatial data resources
The Geospatial Centre collects and provides geospatial data across several geographical levels. The strength of the collection is in Canadian data resources, particularly in southern Ontario. However, U.S. and world geospatial data resources are also available.
Maps and atlases
The Geospatial Centre has an extensive collection of maps and atlases. While this collection is too large to be adequately described or indexed on a web page, information is available on the most extensive and widely used maps in our collection. If you are looking for digital maps, please consult our geospatial data resources pages.
Aerial photographs
The Geospatial Centre air photo collection consists of paper and digital images from 1930-2006. An interactive map shows the extent and years of print/digital coverage available. The largest collection that covers Southern Ontario is the 1955 orthomosaic collection. Digitized images that cover the Region of Waterloo for the years 1930s-1970s are available to be ordered as well. Digital images are available in image and KML format for $10/photo. Fee is waived for UW students/faculty/staff. Please contact the Geospatial Centre for the order form.
To learn more about finding air photos, take a look at the following library subject guides.
- Finding aerial photographs in the Geospatial Centre
- Printed aerial photographs in the Geospatial Centre
Satellite and orthoimagery
Digital projects
The Geospatial Centre has undertaken a number of digital projects to preserve, enrich, and make available its historical map and photo collections to campus and community researchers.