The item-level descriptions are written in the language of the original map, plan, or chart; the majority of the descriptions are written in English.
The original organization of this collection was divided according to the area classification that was developed within the former National Map Collection. The classification number idicates the administrative, natural or historical geographical division. A place-name is added to those numbers which are not unique e.g. 340-Montréal, the names used are the official names as recorded in the Canadian gazetteers.
The date shown is normally that of production. Dates in square brackets have been supplied; these may be either dates of production or information. Occasionally two dates are shown e.g. 900-1632 (1922) this indicates that the copy of the 1632 map described was produced in 1922. There are, however, numerous inconsistencies in the use of brackets, both for dates and for other information; the user should be cautious.
Constant reference to lower level descriptions is essential for those unfamiliar with the collection in order to ensure that all possible classification numbers for a particular map have been considered. The following general information will be useful.
The classification numbering for maps of certain regions are broken down as follows: Provinces or groups of provinces or territories, large regions General Maps ends in "00 thus, Newfoundland is 100, the Maritime Provinces 200, Quebec 300, Ontario 400, Prairies 500, British Columbia 600, Northwest Territioeis 700, Arctic Regions 800, France in Continental North America 900, North America 1000, North and South America 1-2000, Atlantic Ocean 1-3000, Pacific Ocean 1-4000, South America 2000, Europe 3000, Asia 4000, Africa 5000, Australia & New Zealand 6000, Antarctica 7000, Oceanic islands 8000.
Provinces within groupings, single territories, sub-provincial units ends in "01 to "60 are apprended to the first digit or the first two digits of the general number to indicated an administrative or natural division of the general area for example, all counties end with the digits "20 thus, a county in Qubec in 320 + name of country, in Great Britain, 3020 + name of county.
Although the researcher will find most maps of one area within one general classification group (e.g. 300-350), it is essential to consult lower level descriptions to locate the other numbers under which maps of the area may be classified. As illustration, the researcher studying the Eastern Townships (in Southern Quebec) would begin with the number for that area, 307 and that for the general maps of Quebec, 300 and those for the administrative and natural divisions of the area, 309-350. Then, the classification numbers 900 (France in Continental North America), 901 (Richelieu-Champlain valley and eastward to Atlantic coast), 1001 (international boundary), 1000 (North America), 1100 (Canada), should also be consulted. The scale of the maps for the general map classification will probably indicate whether or not the map has sufficient detail of the area to be of interest.
There are several important variations in the use of the classification schedule. The breakdown for the United States has not been completely utilized; the numbers 1200-1209 are used as described by the user and will find all rivers under 1210 + name, all cities under 1240 + name, etc. the number 9000 (World before Columbis) is no longer used. An additional number -460- has been added to differentiate the Federal Parliament Buildings in Ottawa from all other Ontario buildings (450).
Researchers using the collection should:
1) consult lower level descriptions and ArchiviaNet;
2) use a general map of the area and gazetteers to obtain the necessary information on place-names;
3) consult all possible classification numbers
4) if difficulties are encountered, or if a precise bibliographical citation is required, contact Cartography, Architecture and Geomatics, Visual Heritage Division, 550 Boul. de la Cité, Gatineau K1A 0N4.
