How to Cite a Map in APA 7th Edition

This guide explains how to format a map citation in APA 7th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a map in APA 7th Edition:

Template

Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of map* [Map]. Publisher. URL

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(U.S. Geological Survey, 2022)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

U.S. Geological Survey. (2022). Topographic map of Yosemite National Park [Map]. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.usgs.gov/maps/yosemite-national-park

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the author or creator
List the cartographer, organization, or agency that created the map. For government maps, use the agency name (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey).
2
Add the date
Place the year of publication or creation in parentheses. If no date is available, use (n.d.). Follow with a period.
3
Write the map title
Italicize the title using sentence case. Add [Map] in square brackets immediately after the title (not italicized). End with a period.
4
Add the publisher
Include the publisher name. If the author and publisher are the same, omit the publisher to avoid repetition. End with a period.
5
Include the URL
If the map was accessed online, provide the URL. For dynamic maps (e.g., Google Maps), include a retrieval date: Retrieved March 15, 2026, from URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the bracketed description [Map] after the title.
Not italicizing the map title.
Forgetting to include the publisher when it differs from the author.
Omitting the URL for maps accessed online; digital and online maps should include a retrieval link.
Citing Google Maps or similar dynamic map services without specifying what was mapped and when it was retrieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a Google Maps image?

Cite it as: Google. (n.d.). [Description of map] [Map]. Retrieved March 15, 2026, from URL. Use a description in brackets if there is no formal title, and include a retrieval date because the content changes.

How do I cite a map found inside a book or atlas?

Cite the book or atlas as the source, and note the specific map in your in-text discussion. If the map has a distinct creator, you may cite it as a chapter in an edited book using the book chapter format with [Map] appended to the title.

What if the map has no individual author?

Use the publishing organization as the author. If no organization is identifiable, begin the entry with the map title (moved to the author position), followed by the date in parentheses.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your map:

Cartographer/Author
Title
Scale
Publisher
Year
URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the author or creator

List the cartographer, organization, or agency that created the map. For government maps, use the agency name (e.g., U.S. Geological Survey).

Add the date

Place the year of publication or creation in parentheses. If no date is available, use (n.d.). Follow with a period.

Write the map title

Italicize the title using sentence case. Add [Map] in square brackets immediately after the title (not italicized). End with a period.

Add the publisher

Include the publisher name. If the author and publisher are the same, omit the publisher to avoid repetition. End with a period.

Include the URL

If the map was accessed online, provide the URL. For dynamic maps (e.g., Google Maps), include a retrieval date: Retrieved March 15, 2026, from URL.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the bracketed description [Map] after the title.

Not italicizing the map title.

Forgetting to include the publisher when it differs from the author.

Omitting the URL for maps accessed online; digital and online maps should include a retrieval link.

Citing Google Maps or similar dynamic map services without specifying what was mapped and when it was retrieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a Google Maps image?

How do I cite a map found inside a book or atlas?

What if the map has no individual author?

Use the publishing organization as the author. If no organization is identifiable, begin the entry with the map title (moved to the author position), followed by the date in parentheses.