Maps
Maps - Learning Historical Research
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U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Geological Survey Web site
Many of topological maps from the 1960s to today are available online. They have a great tool to help you search maps for your location. Just use the Google interface and put a pin in that location. Then you may download PDF maps that cover that area for free. There is an add on called GeoPDFTool which I strongly recommend. It
Read more about the USGS site in my blog.
Google Maps
Probably the most used online mapping service. Many old rail lines are still shown and it is great for aerial views, but I prefer the Microsoft Bird's Eye view (see below) to the Google Street view as it gets you off the beaten path, perfect for rail yards that don't run parallel to the road.
Microsoft Live Maps
Google is still my map site of choice, but when it comes to deviating from the traditional satellite view which only shows the roofs of buildings, the Live Maps Birds Eye View is the solution. Sometimes the satellite images are too grainy, but these Birds Eye view images are pretty clear and get you off the "street view" and shows you the sides of buildings, rail yards, trees, shrubs, and the like allowing you to really do some research on placement.
Minnesota Historical Aerial Photography
Minnesota Historical Aerial Photography
Provides access to Minnesota aerial photos dating back to the 1920s. It is integrated with Google maps so the map is easy to navigate and find various years provided for an area.
