Learning to Read Map Call Numbers

Map call numbers function on a number of levels.

First: maps of the same location will be co-located, ie: they will have the same class number (the first portion of the call number).

Maps of Greenland will all fall within the range G 3380 - G 3384

Second: the last digit of the class number says something about the type of map:

0 or 5 General maps

1 or 6 Thematic maps

2 or 7 Regions, natural features, other named places, etc.

3 or 8 Major political division (provinces, counties, districts maps)

4 or 9 Cities or towns maps.

Maps of cities in Greenland are classed at G 3384

Third: Location 'Cutter' numbers typically are a memetic device that location subdivision

A map classed at G 3384 J5 would probably be a city in Greenland whose name starts with the letter 'J.'

Fourth: a second 'Cutter' will indicate the a subject subdivision:

A Special categories
B Mathematical geography
C Physical sciences
D Biogeography
E Human and cultural geography. Anthropogeography. Human
ecology.
F Political geography
G Economic geography
H Mines and mineral resources
J Agriculture
K Forests and forestry
L Aquatic biological resources
M Manufacturing and processing. Service industries.
N Technology. Engineering. Public works.
P Transportation and communication
Q Commerce and trade. Finance
R Military and naval geography
S Historical geography

Each of these letters has a further subdivision to identify the map/Atlas theme.

So: a map of Eugene's wetlands may be kept at: