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Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970: About

Digital SanbornĀ® Maps (1867-1970) delivers detailed property and land-use records that depict the grid of everyday life in more than 12,000 U.S. towns and cities across a century of change.

Did you know...?

There are approximately 660,000 maps in this database!

Permissions

Digital Sanborn Maps are reproduced and distributed under exclusive license from Environmental Data Resources, Inc. No portion of the map images may be downloaded, printed or otherwise retained for commercial purposes, including but not limited to environmental or other land use evaluations, without the prior consent of Environmental Data Resources, Inc.

For information on how to obtain maps for commercial purposes, go to:

Environmental Data Resources, Inc.
440 Wheelers Farms Road,
Milford, CT 06461
1-800-352-0050

What is ProQuest Digital Sanborn Maps?

Digital Sanborn® Maps (1867-1970) delivers detailed property and land-use records that depict the grid of everyday life in more than 12,000 U.S. towns and cities across a century of change.

Sanborn® fire insurance maps are the most frequently consulted maps in libraries. Founded in 1867 by D. A. Sanborn, the Sanborn Map Company was the primary American publisher of fire insurance maps for nearly 100 years, repeatedly mapping towns and cities as they changed.

The maps provide a wealth of information, such as building outline, size and shape, windows and doors, street and sidewalk widths, boundaries, and property numbers. Plans often include details on construction materials and building use; and also depict pipelines, railroads, wells, water mains, dumps, and other features likely to affect the property's vulnerability to earthquake, fire, and flood.

Combined with other sources such as city directories, photographs, small-scale maps, census records, genealogies, and statistical data—the Sanborn Maps provide an unparalleled picture of life in American towns and cities.