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Historical maps and NZMS

Historic topographic map series provide a consistent way to compare names, roads, tracks, buildings, vegetation and mapped features through time.

MapsPast is a practical entry point for historic New Zealand topographic mapping. National Library, LINZ, Archives NZ and local collections can hold additional sheet editions and larger-scale plans.

Record the edition, not just the series​

A map labelled NZMS 1 can have several editions/revisions. Record:

  • series
  • sheet number/name
  • edition/revision
  • publication/revision date
  • scale
  • source repository

What a historic map proves​

It proves that the mapmaker/publisher depicted a feature/name in that edition. It does not prove the feature first existed then or that an omitted place did not exist.

Georeferencing​

Scanned maps can usually be georeferenced using grid ticks or stable features. Prefer existing georeferenced map services where available, but retain source sheet/edition metadata.

See Georeferencing historical maps and Place names.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026

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