National Library of Scotland
A map of Newington in Edinburgh from 1891.

Find out how maps can help with your family history or local history research.

Maps can provide a window into the past for family and local history researchers. In this in-person session you will learn about different types of historical maps and the rich information they can provide.

We will then showcase the Map images website, where there are over 400,000 historical maps available to view.

Discover how to find relevant maps, and use our georeferenced, side by side and spy tool viewers. You will then have an opportunity to view a selection of maps from our collection, and discuss these with library staff.

This session will last approximately 80 minutes, including time for questions.

You may be interested in

Using our georeferenced maps

Workshop
8 October 2025, 3:00PM to 4:00PM
A modern satellite image of an urban street overlayed with an older map.

Navigating the maps website

Workshop
5 November 2025, 3:00PM to 4:00PM
A map of Scotland with a magnifying glass enlarging Inverness.

Maps for family and local history

Workshop
1 October 2025, 3:00PM to 4:00PM
A map of Glasgow.