The collection of old and modern maps and plans may be consulted in the Map Room. The chief purpose of the collections is to serve the needs of teaching and research within the University of Amsterdam. As a research collection they are also a source for many other users from the Netherlands and abroad.
Reproductions are available of many early cartographic items.
In combination with the Map Room's toponymic indexes, modern topographic map series make it possible to determine the geographical location of obscure places. A range of atlases may also be consulted and there are various globes. Titles of books and atlases are included in the online public access catalogue, which is available through the automated networks. Map titles will be available soon. There is a special regional and subject catalogue, the computerization of which is in process.