Maps Make You Reach Your Destination
by Venita Proami
http://www.informaps.com
The purpose of a map is to provide information; therefore,
it covers only those facts and figures that matter. Maps
include only the physical features, boundaries, distribution
and symbols. Following a fixed scale, each point,
corresponding to geographical feature in an area, is plotted
on the map. Maps also depict data like population density,
industrial power and birth rates, used for comparisons. In
the initial stages maps were made out of woodcuts. Nowadays,
hi-tech maps are made using the methods like wax engraving,
lithography and photoengraving.
Mapmaking is an old profession. Even in the absence of
literacy people used to make diagrams of areas they knew
thoroughly. Eskimos, Marshall, islanders, Babylonians,
Chinese and Egyptians were into mapmaking. The oldest map
was made by the Babylonians with the help of clay. It is
now displayed in one of the museums in Harvard.
Today, mapmaking is known as cartography. It was founded by
the Greeks. Eratosthenes laid forward the method of
measuring the distances on the earth by using meridians and
parallels. The early maps showed only the Mediterranean part
of the world with accuracy. Gradually other forms of maps
were introduced by the scientists from different parts of
the world. Chinese gave the first printed map to the world.
Atlases are the collection of maps. These were first
published in the 19th century.
Road maps are in high demand these days. They are a part of
navigational maps along with aeronautical charts, maps
containing rail-road network, and bicycling maps. Community
maps are also widely used by the people. It is interesting
to know that people who carry out surveys draw the largest
number of maps. Mainly municipalities, emergency service
providers, tax assessors and local agencies draw and use
maps.
It is not always necessary that maps be drawn following a
fixed scale. There are maps that are designed without scales
because they solve the purpose of being visually
communicative. One of the examples of such maps is the
London underground map, it is mainly used by the commuters
who are in hurry and can afford just a glance at the map to
learn about the area.
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