Having trouble accessing government information? See the Libraries’ guide to Alternative Sources for Federal Information and Data.

How to Cite Data: Geospatial Data

The purpose of citations is to enable others to find the same sources you used. Data are like any other source and should be cited in your bibliography and your writing.

Library Data Services

Library Data Services caters to researchers interested in working with data, mapping, texts, visualization, and technology. Many of these services are available online. Davis Library Data Services, located on the second floor of Davis Library, offers:

A computing lab with specialized software for GIS and data visualization & analysis.
Walk-in assistance provided by knowledgeable student consultants during set hours.
Consultations with specialists for more in-depth inquiries (by appointment).
Spaces for collaboration and presentation, complete with white boards and external displays.
Technology short courses and programs that promote digital scholarship.

Geospatial Data and Map Citation Examples

From Cartographic Citations: A Style Guide:

Basic form:

Author. Title. Edition. Place of production: Producer, Date of copyright or production.

Example:

U.S. Bureau of the Census. TIGER/Line: Redistricting Census 2000 on DVD. Washington, D.C.: Bureau of the Census, 2001.

Cartographic Citations: A Style Guide

Cartographic Citations: A Style Guide by Christine Kollen, Wangyal Shawa, Mary Larsgaard
Call Number: Davis Library Reference Desk Z6021 .C55 2010
This book is an excellent resource for more in-depth coverage of map citations, produced by the Map and Geography Round Table of the American Library Association.

More Geospatial Data Citation Guides

Here are some additional guides on citing geospatial data and maps from other institutions and organizations: