In a DB retrieval method, a two-step retrieval including quantitative and qualitative retrievals is interactively performed so that, through the operation of image information (e.g. map information) having a correspondence to a DB having text information such as attribute information stored therein, attribute information corresponding to the map information is retrieved from the DB. The quantitative retrieval includes a DB information reading process for reading image information, attribute information and information relevant thereto, and a quantitative retrieval process for making a quantitative retrieval including the partial overlaying of another information for retrieval on the original image information (or map information) or a rough retrieval with the other information used as a retrieval key called information lens, and storing the result of retrieval into a work file. The qualitative retrieval includes a DB information reading process for reading image information, attribute information and information relevant thereto, which are stored in the work file, and a qualitative retrieval process for making a qualitative retrieval in which the original image information (or map information) is overlaid with a retrieval key called a function sheet including the composition of a qualitative retrieval condition and an image indicative of a range of application of the retrieval condition, and displaying the result.