Tip #8 (30/06/2025) – Old Maps Online

Old Maps Online is a website and app which offers online search tool that provides access to historical maps. It includes collections from libraries around the world.

According to the website, users can “explore different eras, with the map reflecting the political boundaries of the chosen year. History is brought to life on the map as it also shows significant battles, notable people, and much more.”

You may also use this tool to compare old and modern maps and check how borders, cities and landscapes have changed over time. A Wikipedia integration allows further information about the area being searched.

The developers explain that they “are assembling metadata from map collections” and different libraries participate in the project (Southall; Přidal, 2012).

Students can use the website/app to practice digital research, learn how to navigate archives; develop historical and critical thinking; practice searching and reading images or use it for cross-curricular lessons (language, geography, history, art…).

Website

Mobile App

REFERENCE

SOUTHALL, H., PŘIDAL, P. Old Maps Online: Enabling global access to historical mapping. E-Perimetron, v. 7, n. 2, 2012. p. 73-81.