This lavishly illustrated book provides a unique insight into the evolution of mapmaking and the science behind it, from the stone age to the digital age.

This lavishly illustrated book provides a unique insight into the evolution of mapmaking and the science behind it, from the stone age to the digital age.

Britain's leading cartographic authortakes us on a historical journey through how the greatest maps were created. Exploringkey cartographersand mapmaking methods, as well as fascinating interludes on subjects such as the very first maps, deliberate mistakes, and superlative maps, this comprehensive guide explores how thetechniques and technology have developedthroughout human history:Evolving methods of surveying: from the Roman groma, through the naval instruments of the magnetic compass, astrolabes and sextants, to the 20th century revolution of aerial photographyDrawing tools and materials: from Babylonian maps carved in clay, to digital maps created via touchscreen

The introduction ofvarious mapping conventionsandkey components of a map: from Ptolemy's introduction of longitude and latitude, through the 13th century origins of having north at the top, to the various projections used to represent the Earth.

Withvisually stunning historic maps and antique instruments , this book will engross readers with its fascinating stories of how we came to chart our world.