Historic Map Works This link opens in a new windowThe collection consists of U.S. Collection, World Collection and Special Collection. In the U.S. Collection, there are over 100,000 cadastral (those showing land and property owners) maps detailing the geographic and development history of the United States over several hundred years. In addition, there over 1,000 city directories related to the cadastral maps. The World Collection is a collection of maps covering the world through time. The Special Collection is an eclectic mix of maps, including decorative plates, portraits, and lithographs, as well as nautical and topographical maps.