Maps are an invaluable source for the study of local history. They can illustrate many aspects of social and economic life, as well as the landscape, and are often the starting point for a project. In fact, the uses to which maps can be put are too numerous to be mentioned here. However, a few of the more important and common types of surviving map are mentioned. Tithe maps drawn up in the 1830s and 40s, covering England and Wales, are very detailed and accurate and cover practically every parish during roughly the same period. Enclosure maps and awards, also covering England and Wales, are another major source for the 17th and 19th centuries and can provide a great deal of detail about rural areas in particular.

Maps provide evidence for the distribution of landownership, field patterns, land usage and changes in agricultural practice. They can also reveal urban encroachment into the countryside and show the development of new forms of transport, such as turnpike roads, canals, and railways. Tithe and enclosure records tell us a great deal about the community, households and tenants too. These maps can be used in conjunction with 19th century Ordnance Survey maps to chart changes over time to great effect. For urban areas and industrial developments in 19th and 20th century, then deposited building plans, fire insurance plans and the plans of canals and railways can be very helpful.

Another interesting modern source is the information produced as a result of the 1910 Finance Act and survey of landownership. This produced a large and complex set of documentation, including maps and field books, which tell us an enormous amount about the early 20th century population, society and economy, and in particular questions concerning landownership, land use, tenure, building and housing conditions in both rural areas and towns.