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How to Cite a Map in Harvard (Cite Them Right)

Learn how to cite printed maps, atlases, and dynamic maps like Google Maps in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Harvard Reference List Format

Here is the standard Harvard format for citing a map in your reference list:

Ordnance Survey (2015) Snowdonia. 1:25 000. Southampton: Ordnance Survey.

Harvard In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(Ordnance Survey, 2015)

Narrative

Ordnance Survey (2015) maps the area as...

Key Harvard Formatting Rules

  • Give the cartographer or publisher, year, map title, scale, place of publication, and publisher.
  • Italicize the map title and record the scale (e.g. 1:25 000).
  • For an online map, add 'Available at:' with the URL and '(Accessed: Day Month Year)'.
  • Cite the cartographer and year in the text, e.g. (Ordnance Survey, 2015).

Step-by-Step Guide

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

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Cite a Map in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Harvard

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