Maps explained: history, borders, data and design

Land of Maps

Subject

Cartography maps

The art and science of mapmaking: antique engravings, projections, elevation models and map history.

87 maps in this collection

Cartography is the craft behind every map: choosing a projection, an orientation, a scale and a visual language. This collection looks at maps as objects of design and history, from the Piri Reis world map of 1513 to Henri Chatelain’s 18th-century map of the Iberian Peninsula and Johann Homann’s 1716 chart of the solar system.

You will also find John Ogilby’s survey of London after the Great Fire, a Perthes map of Bohemia from 1850, a 1799 map of the Kingdom of Prussia and an 1831 map of Hindoostan. Each guide explains how the map was made and what it can tell us.

All cartography maps

Map: Hindoostan Map, 1831

Cartography

Hindoostan Map, 1831

Anthony Finley's 1831 map of Hindoostan, showing India under East India Company rule and its princely states.

Cartography

Gondor Sketch Map

Gondor is a kingdom in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional world of Middle-earth.

Map: 1850 Perthes Map of Bohemia

Cartography

1850 Perthes Map of Bohemia

An 1850 Justus Perthes map of Bohemia under Austrian rule, and what it shows about the region's geography.

Map: Alaska Map Valdez

Cartography

Alaska Map Valdez

The Alaska Map Valdez was first created in the early 20th century as a tool to assist in the development and exploration of the Valdez region.

Cartography

Location Map Taifa of Valencia

The Taifa of Valencia refers to the period when the city of Valencia and its surrounding territories were under the rule of various Muslim dynasties that.

Map: Jerusalem in the ancient times

Cartography

Jerusalem in the ancient times

In the heart of the Middle East lies one of the most historically significant cities in the world – Jerusalem.

Map: Star Wars: Design with the Force

Cartography

Star Wars: Design with the Force

Star Wars, created by George Lucas, is not only a groundbreaking movie franchise but also a visual inspiration for many aspects of design.

Map: Inverted Map

Cartography

Inverted Map

The concept of the inverted map has gained attention in recent years as an alternative way of representing our world.

Map: The Good the Bad the Ugly

Cartography

The Good the Bad the Ugly

Maps have long been an essential tool for humans in their pursuit of exploration and navigation.

Map: maps – Page 3

Cartography

maps – Page 3

Maps have long been an essential tool for humans to understand and navigate the world around them.

Map: Elevation Map of Bhutan

Cartography

Elevation Map of Bhutan

Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is a land of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Map: Map of Canada by Peter R. Furse, 1964

Cartography

Map of Canada by Peter R. Furse, 1964

The Map of Canada created by Peter R. Furse in 1964 is a masterpiece that continues to captivate viewers with its unique artistry and intricate details.