Online resources to understand and enjoy maps

Map or you will be mapped. But why? And where to start?

Ten days ago I published five examples of why maps are GREAT, and online historical maps are even better. These, instead, are a few useful link to better understand why so many people say “map, or you will be mapped”.

1: The modern obsession with maps…

Online resources to understand and enjoy maps /img/ptolemy-planisphere.jpg

Started centuries ago, in Venice.

2: Maps change how you understand the world? Yes!

Online resources to understand and enjoy maps /img/earths-economic-center-of-gravity.jpg

To see how maps can change your perception of the world (which was, in no small part, shaped by the maps you were exposed to since your childhood!), have a look at these “forty quirky, important and creative Maps”.

3: Why are maps of the same area so different from each other?

Online resources to understand and enjoy maps /img/map-man-head.jpg

Because they fulfil different purposes, of course. Map drawing techniques, and their underlying algorithms, are called projections. One of the best explanations I have found so far of this topic is a set of the top 7 maps that ultimately explain map projections.

4: Enough looking: let’s MAKE maps!

Online resources to understand and enjoy maps /img/us-mean-center-of-population.jpg
just look at US Manifest Destiny

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StoryMapJS is a free tool to help you make “Maps that tell stories”, that is online maps and slideshows that highlight the locations, and sequence, of a series of events. Try it!