As a result, the World Wide Web is full of interesting and captivating maps that teach us something new and expand the way we see the world. Eager to share them with you, Bored Panda has collected the best ones that might make you see things from a different perspective. To find them, all you have to do is scroll down! While you’re busy admiring them, don’t forget to check out a conversation with map enthusiast, artist, and cartographer Anton Thomas, who kindly agreed to answer some of our questions about all things maps. Naturally, we were curious to know what initially sparked his interest in them. He told us, “I was born and raised in New Zealand’s South Island, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. This geography influenced my love of maps. The places around us were so interesting, so rich in mood, emotion, and grandeur. I would see fictional fantasy maps in books or video games, and I loved the way geography was displayed so expressively. But then I would look outside at New Zealand, and realise I was somewhere far more amazing than fantasy. And it was all real! From childhood, maps helped me understand reality, fall in love with the world, and instill a sense of adventure. And combining maps with illustration was a bridge between science, art, and storytelling.” Even though his maps are known for their illustrations, he’s passionate about ensuring their graphic accuracy as well. He tells us, “I want to create artistic maps that are also great educational resources. I believe art is one of the best ways to communicate science, so about 30% of my labor is pure research. When preparing a new map, I will first choose a projection - then trace that outline accurately on the drawing paper. When the framework is completed, he then goes region by region, continent by continent, researching and learning about the wildlife and physical geography of each place. “Our world is so complex, so filled with information, that a cartographer’s job is often to choose what NOT to draw. What to omit. So it’s helpful to have rules and conventions with each map, to help select the data and stories you wish to tell. Once you create these guidelines and filter out some of the noise, it’s easier to see your creative opportunities,” Thomas says. Even in the hypothetical world where everything would be managed by AI and there would be no need for humans to create cartographies, Thomas believes that they will retain their aesthetic, historical, and storytelling value. “We did not stop painting when the camera was invented,” he adds. Yet the demand for wall maps has actually become stronger. Why? Because maps are not simply tools or niche curiosities, they are one of the most fundamental methods of storytelling and communication we have. We yearn for their breadth and depth and beauty. Just think: in how many art forms can you display the whole world (albeit simplified)? We love maps because they tell the story of places, and places are fundamental to who we are.” While regular or topographical maps prioritize geographical accuracy in terms of shape, size, and location, cartograms rescale map regions to statistical data and try to maintain geographical features as far as possible. Besides, they are a powerful tool for presenting information effectively and raising awareness of important issues like substance abuse or world poverty. Since they combine statistical and geographical information, they can also provide insight into patterns and trends in the world around us. Combining this with their aesthetic appeal makes them a great supplement for information in newspapers, magazines, and textbooks. He created them as teaching aids, helping children realize the size of countries and their certain characteristics. However, his technique wasn’t able to catch on, and only a few similar maps appeared in many years. The following notable development was made by Hermann Haack and Hugo Weichel, who presented election results for the German Reichstag in 1988. This time, creations alike soon emerged in the US, where they were introduced in the popular media after 1911. Eager for more magnificent maps? Make sure to check out our previous publications featuring informative and unusual maps as well as maps that portray lesser-known facts about America. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
