When was maps invented

Those same beings may have used sounds and gestures to convey spatial information about the local environment to others. Eventually, using a stick to etch a sand canvas that has long since been erased, early humankind may have drawn a likeness of these mental and oral maps. By BC, Babylonians used clay tablets to record map-like images.

Chinese mapmaking traditions date from about the same time. Some early cave and tomb art has map-like characteristics. The Greeks are credited with proving the earth was spherical. Ptolemy , a Greek geographer, created a map of the then known world that marked the culmination of ancient cartography.

Using modern satellite systems and surveying techniques, contemporary cartographers are now able to measure and map with very high precision and consistency. As a result, maps have become absolutely critical to most fields of human endeavour. This is a typical map published in the s. It incorporates the features which maps through the ages have focused on — describing the landscape — in this case the location and names of places, rivers etc and the coastline.

In addition to this, it is colourful, has no decoration and gives an indication of the height of the land and depth of the sea — a theme.

Enter your Keywords. History of Mapping. Breadcrumb Home Fundamentals of Mapping. In the Beginning This tablet circa BC , which is in the collection of the British Museum, is an excellent example of Babylonian clay tablet maps. Maps are essentially tools which: for the map maker, record the location of places of interest. The oldest recorded route that we have evidence is a 9ft wall painting, found in of a town plan, showing buildings and a volcano, found in Anatolia, dated BC.

It is also know the early representation of maps and routes by the old Egyptians on papyrus, but due to the short life of this type of surface, few evidences made it to our time. Sometimes, maps become more famous than their makers. Others become famous, then create equally famous works for royalty, nobility, or well-known explorers of their time.

Still others make a famous map, then disappear from history forever. Throughout history, there are five maps that have been particularly noteworthy. The list is in progress; to submit a map or cartographical event for consideration, please email your submission to editor gislounge. It was the Greek civilization the one that helped to develop enormously the understanding of cartography as an important science for the society in general.

Ptolemy, Herodotus, Anaximander, Eratosthenes, all had tremendous influence on western earth sciences, including geography. They performed deep study of the size and shape of the earth and its habitable areas, climatic zones and country positions. Anaximander, for instance, was the first to draw a map of the known world, while Pythagoras of Samos speculated about the notion of a spherical earth with a central fire at its core.

When the geographers of the Greek era started estimating scientifically the circumference of the earth, a huge impulse was given to the cartographic science. Eratosthenes , already in the 3 rd century BC, contributed greatly to the history of geographic knowledge with his Geography and accompanying world map. Unfortunately we only have indirect references to this work through other authors like Strabo from Elea, whose work is far better known in our time.

During Roman times, cartographers focused on practical uses: military and administrative needs. Their need to control the Empire in the financial, economic, political, and military aspects, made evident the need to have maps of administrative boundaries, physical features, or road networks.

The Ptolemy map is notable for its probable role in the Roman expansion. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email.

Amanda Briney. Geography Expert. Amanda Briney, M. Updated October 07, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Briney, Amanda. The History of Cartography. Biography of Abraham Ortelius, Flemish Cartographer.