How do I cite a map in MLA?

To cite a map in MLA (9th 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 MLA?

In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Map of Yellowstone National Park)

How to Cite a Map in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite printed maps, atlases, and dynamic maps like Google Maps in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing a map in your Works Cited page:

Map of Yellowstone National Park. National Park Service, 2019. — For a dynamic map: "San Diego, California." Google Maps, Google, 21 June 2026, www.google.com/maps.

MLA Example for a Map

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

Cartwright, Nell. Historic Library Districts of Boston. Map. Meridian Cartographic, 2015.

Matching in-text citation: (Cartwright)

MLA In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(Map of Yellowstone National Park)

Narrative

The Map of Yellowstone National Park indicates...

Key MLA Formatting Rules

Give the map title (italicized if it is a standalone work), the publisher, and the year; add the descriptive label 'Map' if the medium is unclear.
For a map within an atlas, cite the atlas as the container and add the page number.
For Google Maps, put the searched location in quotation marks, name Google Maps as the container and Google as the publisher, then give the access date and URL.
Include the scale as an optional element after the title when it is useful.

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 MLA (9th 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 Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA 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: mla.csl

Editorial sources

MLA Style Center — works cited →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a map in MLA?: To cite a map in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the MLA format for a map citation?: The MLA format for a map is: Map of Yellowstone National Park. National Park Service, 2019. — For a dynamic map: "San Diego, California." Google Maps, Google, 21 June 2026, www.google.com/maps.
What does the in-text citation look like for a map in MLA?: In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (Map of Yellowstone National Park)