How do I cite a map in Chicago?

To cite a map in Chicago (17th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for a map in Chicago?

In Chicago, the in-text citation for the example above is Note: U.S. Geological Survey, Yellowstone National Park

How to Cite a Map in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite printed maps, atlases, and dynamic maps like Google Maps in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a map in your bibliography:

U.S. Geological Survey. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Scale 1:125,000. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey, 2018.

Chicago Example for a Map

A complete Chicago reference for a map, formatted by the official Chicago CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Cartwright, Nell. 2015. Historic Library Districts of Boston. Map. Meridian Cartographic. 1:25,000.

Matching in-text citation: (Cartwright 2015)

Chicago In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

Note: U.S. Geological Survey, Yellowstone National Park

Narrative

The U.S. Geological Survey map (2018) shows...

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

List the cartographer or issuing body, the map title, the scale, and the publication details (place, publisher, year).
Italicize the title of a separately published map; give the scale as 'Scale 1:125,000.'
For an online or Google map, add the URL and, if there is no date, an access date.
Maps in a note follow the same order, with elements separated by commas.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your map.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: chicago.csl

Editorial sources

Chicago Manual of Style — citation quick guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a map in Chicago?: To cite a map in Chicago (17th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Chicago format for a map citation?: The Chicago format for a map is: U.S. Geological Survey. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Scale 1:125,000. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey, 2018.
What does the in-text citation look like for a map in Chicago?: In Chicago, the in-text citation for the example above is Note: U.S. Geological Survey, Yellowstone National Park