How do I use the GEOBASE and GeoRef mapping tool?
Last updated on February 26, 2026
The Mapping tool is standard in GEOBASE and GeoRef databases. This tool is used for graphically showing or mapping the significant geographic features mentioned in the records contained in the result set of a search. The map plots different geographical data from GEOBASE and GeoRef search results on a digital map using Google map technology.
Special features
- After running a GEOBASE and/or GeoRef search, the ‘Show map’ feature link displays in the Refine results pane on the left side of the Results page.
- The ‘Show map’ feature will display in the Refine results pane when only the GEOBASE and/or GeoRef databases are included in the search query.
- Pins on the map represent geographic terms or locations. Hovering a mouse over these pins displays search terms and records totals to the user.
- After the user closes the map, it can be displayed again by clicking ‘Show map.’
How
- Click ‘Show map’ near the top of the Refine results pane. The Geographic map of results opens.
- Zoom in and out of the map by clicking the (+) and (-) pins to expand or contract the display.
- Click ‘Map’ to view a street map of the terrain.
- Click the checkbox for ‘Terrain’ to see the terrain on the map.
- Clear the checkbox for ‘Terrain’ to remove the terrain view from this view.
- Click ‘Satellite’ to view satellite imagery.
- Click the checkbox for ‘Labels’ to see the labels displayed on this view.
- Clear the checkbox for ‘Labels’ to not see any labels displayed on this view.
- Click the square icon at the top right side of the map to open a full-page view of the map.
- Press the ‘Esc’ key to return to the original view of the map.
- Pan over the map by clicking your mouse to navigate up, down, or across the map.
- Drag the ‘Pegman’ icon onto the map to open the street view.
- Click the arrow at the top left side of the map to return to the previous view of the map.
- Click ‘Reset map center and zoom’ if desired.
- Click a map pin to generate the subset of search results that is limited to the geographic location.
- Click ‘Show map’ again to bring up the revised map.
- Click the ‘X’ at the top right side of the map to close it.
There is a facet included with the mapping tool called ‘Geographic Terms.’ This is not to be confused with the ‘Country/Region’ facet. The ‘Geographic Terms’ facet represents the geographic locations plotted on the map. The ‘Country/Region’ facet represents the country in which the Author Affiliation is located.
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