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This is a request for advice on map database:
 
I am in the process of setting up a map database of the China maps
on our university's collection.  The database is to serve two audiences -
the general library user and individuals who are working with the China
GIS project, CITAS (China in Time and Space:  CITAS).  For the general
user, standard (ie. Library of Congress format) information on each map
would suffice.  For the CITAS user, I need to include much more specific
information on the contents of each map, such as boundaries, typography,
transportation.  For example, someone might want to verify county
boundaries of the early 20's in eastern China.  They could enter a query
and would get a list of what maps are available with such detail.  Or they
may want to find maps that show the lower level roads in Sichuan during
turn of the century.  Etc.  There is a room in our records for "free-form"
notes on the condition and general utility of the maps.  We would like to
make the contents section "basic though comprehensive".  We are using lots
of yes/no enteries for standards like roads, rivers, etc.  Would be using
catagories for thematic information like mines, rainfall, etc.
 
I am interested in if any such project involving non-digitized maps
has been attempted elsewhere to find out what catagories others might
have used for contents and coverage.
 
We have chosen to work with Microsoft Access because it can handle
Chinese characters and is compatible with standard PC's.  We anticipate
"exporting" the database to other institutions/individuals
involved with the project who might have a useful collection of China maps.
They could then enter the information and so the database will grow...
 
Any helpful advice on standards for organizing information on map
contents would be greatly apprectiated.  Thank you.
 
Alana Boland
CITAS
University of Washington
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