About Land of Maps
We believe a map is only as useful as your ability to read it. Land of Maps pairs each map with the context that makes it make sense.
What we do
Land of Maps collects maps that are interesting, useful or historically significant and publishes each one with a written guide. A guide typically explains what the map depicts, the history of the place or period it covers, the facts and figures that help you interpret it, and answers to the questions readers most often ask.
The library holds 6,789 maps. The main subjects are:
- Geography: 3986 maps.
- History: 404 maps.
- Politics: 54 maps.
- Travel: 446 maps.
- Transportation: 438 maps.
- Cartography: 87 maps.
- Religion: 18 maps.
- Sports: 43 maps.
- Mapping: 54 maps.
There are 441 further smaller collections, listed on the all maps page.
Why maps
Maps are some of the most persuasive documents ever made. A single image can communicate the extent of an empire, the spread of a religion or the shape of a racing circuit more quickly than pages of text. That same power makes maps easy to misunderstand. Projections distort size, colours hide assumptions and old maps reflect the knowledge and politics of their makers. Our aim is to help readers look at a map critically and come away understanding both the subject and the map itself.
Who we are
Land of Maps is run by a small independent editorial team with an interest in geography, history and cartography. We are not affiliated with any government, mapping agency or sports body. Our editorial standards are described in our editorial policy.
Get in touch
Spotted an error, have a question about a map or want to suggest one for the library? Visit our contact page or email info@landofmaps.com.