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University of Connecticut Library Map and Geographic Information Center

About MAGIC

The University of Connecticut Library MAGIC (Map and Geographic Information Center), collaborates with agencies, organizations, and centers to provide the public with access to digital access to maps, atlases, aerial photographs, and geospatial data pertaining to the state of Connecticut, New England and the world. MAGIC digitizes public-domain and copyright free maps and resources in order to enable researchers to have digital access to these resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. MAGIC is focused on "Digitizing the Past to Empower 21st Century Research" as we work to develop an interdisciplinary collection of geospatial resources and maps which focus on the state of Connecticut.

 

Annual Reports

Included below are past Annual Reports for the University of Connecticut Library Map and Geographic Information Center - MAGIC which highlights accomplishments and initatives throughout the calendar year (2008-2010).

 

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Presentations

Included below is a listing of presentations related to MAGIC projects, concepts, and collections. Presenters include students, staff and librarians which currently work or have worked at MAGIC in the past. Links to related presentation materials are included with each presentation (if available).

2018

Howser, Michael, Loomis, Louise. "What is Your Geography IQ? Embedding Geographic Literacy in the Classroom" on April 13, 2018 at Northeast Regional Conference on Social Studies (Hartford, CT).

2017

Loomis, Louise, Howser, Michael, Quinn-Carey, Bridget, et al. "Maps for All Launch and UConn Library Hartford" on March 1, 2017 at Hartford Public Library (Hartford, CT).

2016

Howser, Michael, et al. "Want Better Outcomes? Get Better Data. Learn about a CT project that compared administrative and survey data" on June 28, 2016 at Connecticut Data Collaborative Conference (New Britain, CT).

2015

Howser, Michael, et al. "Data Initiatives in Connecticut Panel: Connecticut State Data Center" on June 25, 2015 at Unlocking the Potential of Public Data Workshop (Hartford, CT).

2014

Miller, Bill. "MAGIC’s Connecticut Digital Air Photography Collection" on May 13, 2013 at Spring Northeast Arc Users Group Meeting (Amherst, MA).

Howser, Michael, Zachary, Raslan. "Historians to Geographers: Using Maps to Illustrate Hartford's Cultural Heritage" on May 13, 2013 at Spring Northeast Arc Users Group Meeting (Amherst, MA).

2013

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael. "Census Data Products and Tools Overview" on January 25, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. "The Connecticut Title VI Workshop: Building a Coordinated Strategy, Connecticut Transportation Institute" on February 7, 2013 at UConn Hartford Campus (Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. Johnson, Kate, Lin, Jie. "GIS Mapping for Social Services Data Workshop" on February 14, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Provost’s Library Advisory Committee (PLAC) Presentation on Connecticut State Data Center" on February 20, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Historical Research using Maps and Data" on March 6, 2013 at UConn Torrington (Torrington, CT).

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael. "Census Data Overview Workshop" on March 11, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Connecticut State Data Center Data and Infrastructure Overview" on March 15, 2013 at Population Results Workgroup of the Governor's Cabinet for Nonprofit Health and Human Services at the Legislative Office Building (Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. Johnson, Kate, Lin, Jie. "GIS Mapping for Social Services Data Workshop" on March 28, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Batt, Steve. Howser, Michael, Johnson, Kate, Lin, Jie. "Data Visualization and Spatial Tools for Digital Humanities" on April 8, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael, Lin, Jie. "Historical Maps in the Classroom Workshop" on April 30, 2013 at Yale University (Storrs, CT).

Miller, Bill, Lin, Jie. "Oceans across the Curricula - MAGIC & CTSDC Overview session" on July 25, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. Johnson, Kate. "Redistricting using ArcGIS" on September 11, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. Johnson, Kate. "Redistricting using ArcGIS" on September 18, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

Johnson, Kate. "Redistricting using ArcGIS" on September 25, 2013 at UConn Storrs (Storrs, CT).

2012

Howser, Michael. "Making MAGIC with Your Data: Interactive Maps, Map Mashups, and Data Visualization Tools" on January 13, 2012 at the Institute for Teaching and Learning Winter Institute (Storrs, CT).

Batt, Steve, Denton, Curtis, Howser, Michael, Lin, Jie, Pollak, Jon. "Locating 2010 Census Data" on January 24, 2012 at Connecticut Department of Public Health (Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Finding Data Using the New American FactFinder" on February 9, 2012 at Yale University (New Haven, CT).

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael. "Locating Census Data using the New American FactFinder" on February 27, 2012 at UConn Greater Hartford Campus (West Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael, O'Brian, Kevin. "Developing Historical Infrared Aerial Imagery Indexes for Connecticut" on March 12, 2012 at the Connecticut Conference on Natural Resources (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael, Osleeb, Jeffrey. "Connecticut State Data Center Update" on May 11, 2012 at the Connecticut State Data Center Annual Affiliates Meeting (Storrs, CT).

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael, Lin, Jie, Pollak, Jon. "Census Data and Spatial Applications: Transforming Census Data into Maps" on May 22, 2012 at the Spring NEARC Conference (Northampton, MA).

Howser, Michael. "Enabling Geospatial Data Access vis Education: A MAGIC Approach" on May 22, 2012 at the Spring NEARC Conference (Northampton, MA).

Howser, Michael, Miller, Bill. "Aerial Photography and Historical Maps of Connecticut" on June 1, 2012 at the Connecticut Explored Exhibit at the Hartford Public Library (Hartford, CT).

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael. "Census Data and Connecticut" on June 21, 2012 at the Data Driven Connecticut Conference (East Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Migration Data Resources" on July 9, 2012 at the PIER Conference at Yale University (New Haven, CT).

 

2011

Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael. "On the Line: A Preview" on February 15, 2011 at the Connecticut Humanities Council Meeting (Middletown, CT).

Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael. "On the Line: A Preview" on February 15, 2011 at the Connecticut State Library Middletown (Middletown, CT).

Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael. "On the Line: Preview" on March 22, 2011 at the Connecticut State Library (Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Exploring the Past: Research Meets Interactive Mapping" on March 30, 2011 at the NorthEast Regional Computing Program (NERCOMP) Annual Conference (Providence, RI).

Howser, Michael. "Census 2010 and Its Impact on Libraries" on May 3, 2011 at the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) Conference (Stamford, CT).

Denton, Curtis & Howser, Michael. "Comparing Neighborhood Change in Connecticut 1934 to Present using Google Maps API" on May 17, 2011 at the Northeast Arc Users Group (NEARC) Spring Meeting (Northampton, MA).

Denton, Curtis, Dougherty, Jack, Howser, Michael, & Pollak, Jon. "Historical Mapping with Digital Tools" on June 22, 2011 at the NEURISA Ignite Spatial Hartford (Hartford, CT).

Dunn, Jeffrey. "Geospatial Coffeehouse: What's brewing at ESRI 2011 User Conference" on July 28, 2011 at the UConn Geospatial Coffeehouse (Storrs, CT).

Batt, Steve, Howser, Michael. "Census 2010 & Connecticut" on August 5, 2011 at the New Haven Free Public Library (New Haven, CT).

Denton, Curtis, Dougherty, Jack, Howser, Michael. "Engaging Students with Interactive, Web-based Mapping" on November 13, 2011 at the NEARC GIS Educators Conference (Saratoga Springs, NY).

Howser, Michael. "The Numbers are in...2010 Census for Connecticut" on November 17, 2011 at Connecticut GIS Day (Hartford, CT).

Howser, Michael. "Making MAGIC with Your Data: Methods for Visualizing Data using 2010 Census Data" on November 18, 2011 at the Neag Assessment Colloquia Series (Storrs, CT).

 

2010

Howser, Michael. “Interactive Meets Semantic: Implications of Web 3.0 for GIS Data & Maps" on February 26, 2010 at University of Connecticut GeoSeminar Series (Storrs, CT).

Dunn, Jeffrey. “Digital Media and Learning in Geography Panel Discussion" on April 16, 2010 at Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting (Washington, D.C.).

Dunn, Jeffrey. “MAGIC 2.0: Using GIS to Empower K-12 Curriculum Development" on April 17, 2010 at Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting (Washington, D.C.).

Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill. “Reference Librarians Toolkit: Maps" on April 20, 2010 at 2010 Connecticut Library Association (CLA) Conference (Uncasville, CT).

Dougherty, Jack, Dunn, Jeffrey & Howser, Michael. “Interactive Mapping for Education: Collaborations for Success" on May 11, 2010 at 2010 Northeast Arc Users (NEArc) Spring Meeting (Northampton, MA).

Howser, Michael. “Future at MAGIC" on May 11, 2010 at 2010 Northeast Arc Users (NEArc) Spring Meeting (Northampton, MA).

Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill. “About Scanning & Metadata Standards" on June 3, 2010 at the North East Map Organization Annual Meeting (Portland, ME).

Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill. “Maps and GIS Data for the 21st Century" on June 8, 2010 at Fuss & O'Neill (Manchester, CT).

Dunn, Jeffrey “BILKO Remote Sensing Open Source Software" on June 18, 2010 at the Connecticut GIS User to User Network Meeting (Waterbury, CT).

Dunn, Jeffrey & Howser, Michael “The 'Where' in Education: Integrating Curriculum through Spatial Thought" on July 11, 2010 at the ESRI Education User Conference (San Diego, CA).

Dunn, Jeffrey “What is GIS" on August 2, 2010 at the Connecticut Geographic Alliance Teachers Workshop (Storrs, CT).

Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael “Spatial Perspectives: On the Line" National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE) Podcast on August 9, 2010.

Avery, David "Augmenting the Reality of the Classroom: Integrating Location-Based Concepts Within the Curriculum" on October 15, 2010 at EDUCAUSE 2010 (Anaheim, CA).

Miller, Bill "Navigating the World through Online Map Sources" on October 15, 2010 at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Waterbury, CT).

Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael “On the Line Project Preview and Feedback" on October 19, 2010 at Trinity College (Hartford, CT).

Denton, Curtis, Dougherty, Jack & Howser, Michael “On the Line: A Preview" on October 30, 2010 at the New England - Saint Lawrence Valley Geographical Society (NESTVAL) Conference (Storrs, CT).

Dougherty, Jack, Howser, Michael & Tatem, David “Mapping Connecticut History
and Spatial Inequality with On The Line" on November 17, 2010 at GIS Day 2010 (New Britain, CT).

Dougherty, Jack, Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill “On the Line: A Preview and Feedback Session" on December 13, 2010 at the Hartford History Center (Hartford, CT).

 

2009

Spaulding, Benjamin. Geospatial Infrastructure and Technology Association Annual Meeting, 2009. “Developing Online GIS Technology for Historical GIS”

Howser, Michael. “MAGIC 2.0: Maps and Geographic Data meet Interactivity” on April 17, 2009 at the Educational Technology Meeting (Storrs, CT).

Howser, Michael. “MAGIC 2.0: Discovering Research Resources in New and Exciting Ways” on April 24, 2009 at the University of Connecticut Geography Department (Storrs, CT).

Spaulding, Benjamin. Northeast Arc Users Group Spring Meeting, 2009. “Creating WMS Google Mash-Ups using Historical GIS Data from MAGIC”

Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill. “Library Collections Meet Web 2.0 – Tools for “Wow!, Cool!, Awesome!” User Experiences” on June 5, 2009 at the New England Library Instruction Group (NELIG) annual program (Portland, ME).

Howser, Michael & Miller, Bill. “Mix, Mash, and Share: Empowering 21st-Century Research with Maps" on November 5, 2009 at EDUCAUSE 2009 (Denver, CO).

 

2008

Spaulding, Benjamin. Keene State College, Department of Geography, 2008. “Lying with Maps”

Spaulding, Benjamin. University of Connecticut, Applications of Geographic Information Systems course, 2008.“Modeling in GIS”

Spaulding, Benjamin.”MAGIC 2.0: The Development of Web-Based GIS Applications for Historical GIS Data” on October 31, 2008 at the New England - Saint Lawrence Valley Geographical Society 2008 Annual Meeting (Plymouth, New Hampshire).

Spalding, Benjamin. “Recent Developments at MAGIC: Incorporating Open GIS Standards into Online Mapping Tools” on November 19, 2008 at Connecticut GIS Day at Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven, CT).

Howser, Michael. “MAGIC 2.0 Overview” on December 11, 2008 at Connecticut Demographics Studies Advisory Committee at UConn Greater Hartford Campus (West Hartford, CT).

 

2007

Spaulding, Benjamin, Stanwicks, Sarah & Miller, B. Northeast Arc User Group 2007. “Developing a Geographic Information System Index for Historical Aerial Photographs”

Spaulding, Benjamin & Stanwicks, Sarah. NESTVAL meeting of the Association of American Geographers, 2007 “Developing a Geographic Information System Index for Historical Aerial Photographs.”

 

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Collections

MAGIC has one of the largest map collections in the Northeast, with many of the maps available directly via MAGIC's website. The collection is focused on maps of Connecticut and the Northeast, with maps covering select areas across the globe. Each of the maps within MAGIC's print map collections are cataloged and searchable within the UConn Library catalog and limit your search to resource type maps.

The following will describe some of the highlights of our collections

Connecticut Maps - Town-by-Town

MAGIC houses a large collection of Connecticut town maps for each of its 169 towns. These maps include agricultural maps, historical road maps and historical census maps that come from a variety of sources. The maps for each town are available via MAGIC's Connecticut Town collections.

USGS Topographic Quadrangles

MAGIC is a repository for USGS topographic quadrangle sheets for Connecticut and Rhode Island. Located in the Homer Babbidge Library on Level A, the maps are organized by state then by quadrangel and are available whenever the library is open. For users that need quick access to topographic maps, each of the Connecticut topographic maps from 1880s to 1990s are available in georeferenced TIFF formats and the USGS provides a national topographic map viewer for historical and current maps for free download via an interactive map viewer.

Atlases from around the world

MAGIC's collection of regional, thematic, and historical atlases represent areas from around the world ranging from Nirenstein National Realty Atlases of the United States, Historical Connecticut Atlases, National Atlases from a number of nations.

Viewing Print Map Collections

The print map collections at MAGIC are located within closed stacks, and library staff must retrieve these items for the patrons. To view print map collections, make an appointment with MAGIC's staff via email at magic@uconn.edu and maps will be made available to you for viewing at the UConn Library Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at the Dodd Research Center (Storrs, Connecticut). Please allow 2-3 business days for maps to be retrieved and made available to you for viewing.

Map Collection Circulation Policy
The print map collections at MAGIC are a non-circulating, closed stack collection and the staff at MAGIC will retrieve maps for patrons. Map retrieval is done within 2-3 business days of the initial request and patrons are encouraged to contact MAGIC staff to arrange an appointment and to allow materials to be retrieved in preparation for your visit.

Print Map Viewing Policy
Patrons may request to view any of the print maps from MAGIC’s collections, with a daily limit of up to 25 maps being retrieved from the print collections per day by appointment. With the print map collections being cataloged in the UConn Library catalog ( limit your search to resource type maps), patrons can search for relevant map(s) from the print collections and then provide staff at MAGIC with the call number(s) for materials in advance of your visit via email to magic@uconn.edu. Advance notice needs to be provided to request maps to allow for MAGIC staff to be on-site to confirm map availability, retrieve the item, and to make the map available via the UConn Library Archives and Special Collections Reading Room at the Dodd Research Center.

Print map reproductions
Patron may bring cameras to photograph maps from MAGIC’s collections. For individuals interested in obtaining a printed reproduction of a map, patrons can take a digital image of the original map and take the digital file to a poster printing service (ex. UConn’s Document Production Center, Staples, FedEx Kinkos) and have the digital image printed at the patrons expense.

Digitizing our Collections

MAGIC is committed to digitizing maps from our collections to make them avaialable online and free for public use. Digitization efforts have focused on New York-New Haven Railroad maps, Connecticut geology maps, historical town maps of Connecticut, and a number of other collections. As these maps are digitized they will be made available via MAGIC's website.

 

 

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Publications

Dunn, J. (2011) Cartographer for Hartford Courant News In Education "Geography Is On The Map" Series

  • February 18, 2011 "Southwest Asia/North Africa"

  • March 25, 2011 "U.S. Cultural Music"

  • April 29, 2011 "World Biomes"

Howser, M. (2011) MAGIC Now Offering TIFF Images. Connecticut Geo-Focus, Spring 2011.

Howser, M. (2011) Connecticut State Data Center Joins MAGIC. Connecticut Geo-Focus, Spring 2011.

Merritt, G. (2011). Geography Bowl: Water, Water Everywhere Reading Maps, Orienteering Part Of Challenge For 19 High School Teams. Hartford Courant, May 17, 2011.

Dunn, J. (2010) Cartographer for Hartford Courant News In Education "Geography Is On The Map" Series

  • September 24, 2010 "Gulf Oil Spill"
  • October 8, 2010 "Food Exchange"
  • October 22, 2010 "Connecticut Watershed"
  • December 10, 2010 "Ring of Fire"

Howser, M.(2010) CT User-to-User Network Update: GIS Education and Training Opportunities, in Connecticut Geo-Focus, Winter 2010.

Dunn, J. & Howser, M. (2009). Having Fun with Maps: A Faculty Learning Community Approach. University of Connecticut Libraries Newsletter, 2.

Howser, M. (2009). MAGIC 2.0: Interactive, Collaborative, and User Friendly. University of Connecticut Libraries Newsletter. 2.

McLeod, N.(2009, October). Case Study - Geospatial Data Distribution Cadcorp web-based GIS software drives the MAGIC in Connecticut. GEOconnexion International Magazine, 40-41.

Chauvin, D. (2008). A digital archive of historical railroad property valuation maps. UCCGIA papers and proceedings, no. 5. Storrs, CT: University of Connecticut, Center for Geographic Information and Analysis.

Spaulding, B. D., Stanwicks, S. (2007). Developing a geographic information system index for historical aerial photographs. UCCGIA papers and proceedings, no. 3. Storrs, CT: University of Connecticut, Center for Geographic Information and Analysis.

 

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Statistics

The UConn Library Map and Geographic Information Center - MAGIC, utilizes Google Analytics and Flickr to analyze usage statisitcs for various collections and resources provided by MAGIC.

 

 

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Location

Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC)
UConn Library at Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
(959) 200-3471

Note: Print Map Collections are at the UConn Library (Storrs) and avaialble in-perosn by appointment.

 

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MAGIC Hours

Monday - Friday 
Assistance Available by Appointment

MAGIC is closed on all federal and state holidays.

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Website Design and Code Acknowledgements

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