Maps explained: history, borders, data and design

Land of Maps
Detail of an 1831 map of Hindoostan with hand-coloured provinces

Land of Maps

Every map tells a story. We help you read it.

An independent library of 6,789 historical, political, thematic and sports maps, each published with the context you need: what it shows, where it comes from and why it matters.

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Map: California State Route 1 Map

Travel

California State Route 1 Map

The planning and construction of California State Route 1 began in the early 20th century and underwent several stages of development.

Map: Map of the Hudsonbergen Light Rail System

Transportation

Map of the Hudsonbergen Light Rail System

The map showcased below outlines the Hudsonbergen Light Rail System, providing essential information about its various lines, stations, and connections.

Map: Rivers of North Bengal Map

Geography

Rivers of North Bengal Map

A diagram of the Teesta, Jaldhaka, Torsha, Mahananda and other rivers of North Bengal and northern Bangladesh, and why they shift.

Map: 1850 Perthes Map of Bohemia

Cartography

1850 Perthes Map of Bohemia

An 1850 Justus Perthes map of Bohemia under Austrian rule, and what it shows about the region's geography.

Map: Political Diversity in NATO

Politics

Political Diversity in NATO

Political diversity plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and strength of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

Map: NFL Teams Map of the USA

Sports

NFL Teams Map of the USA

A map of the 32 NFL teams across the United States, with the league's conferences, divisions and history.

Map: SEDA Education Score

Education

SEDA Education Score

The SEDA Education Score is a comprehensive tool that measures the quality and effectiveness of education systems across different countries.

Map: Four regions with the same GDP

Economics

Four regions with the same GDP

When it comes to evaluating global economic growth and development, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is a commonly used indicator.

Map: Illustrated Map of Romania

Tourism

Illustrated Map of Romania

Romania, located in Southeastern Europe, is a country known for its rich history, cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and enchanting cities.

Map: Geologic Map of Europe

Geology

Geologic Map of Europe

The Geologic Map of Europe is a remarkable tool that provides valuable insights into the geological composition and history of the European continent.

Map: Religions Map of India

Religion

Religions Map of India

A map of the largest religious community in each Indian state, using the 2011 census figures.

Map: Piri Reis World Map (1513)

Cartography

Piri Reis World Map (1513)

The Piri Reis map of 1513, one of the earliest surviving maps to show the Americas, and what it does and does not show.

Map: Prevailing World Religions Map

Religion

Prevailing World Religions Map

A world map of each country's prevailing religion, with global shares from Pew Research and the limits of such maps.

Map: 15 Shortest Celebrity Marriages

Entertainment

15 Shortest Celebrity Marriages

When it comes to celebrity relationships, it’s no secret that they often face intense scrutiny and are subject to constant media attention.

Map: 1850 Mitchell Map of Europe

Geography

1850 Mitchell Map of Europe

The 1850 Mitchell Map of Europe, also known as Geographicus Europemitchell1850 , was created by Samuel Augustus Mitchell.

Map: 1983: the Doomsday World Map

Doomsday

1983: the Doomsday World Map

The year 1983 marked a significant moment in history when a map that would have a profound impact on global awareness and understanding of nuclear war was.

Map: 20 Steps to Buying your First Home

Homeownership

20 Steps to Buying your First Home

Introduction: Welcome to the Land of Maps – Your guide to buying your first home Welcome to the exciting world of homeownership!

Map: 2017 Tech Predictions

Technology

2017 Tech Predictions

2017 Tech Predictions Introduction: Exploring the 2017 Tech Predictions Welcome to the world of mapping technologies!

Map: 25 Interior Design Inspirational Quotes

Design

25 Interior Design Inspirational Quotes

Interior design is not just about choosing the right colors, furniture, or accessories; it is about creating a space that reflects and uplifts one’s soul.

Map: 5 Boroughs Labels New York City Map

Geography

5 Boroughs Labels New York City Map

New York City, often referred to as the “City that Never Sleeps,” is a vibrant metropolis packed with rich history and iconic landmarks.

Map: 50 Culinary Hacks

Culinary

50 Culinary Hacks

Are you looking to take your cooking skills to the next level? Look no further!

Map: A map of İstanbul, 1629

Cartography

A map of İstanbul, 1629

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Map: Africa Topography Map

Geography

Africa Topography Map

Mapping the topography of Africa has been a continuous endeavor for cartographers.

Our mission

Maps are arguments about the world

Every border, colour and label on a map is a choice. Land of Maps exists to explain those choices, so that a map becomes something you understand rather than something you only look at. From the Peloponnesian War to the Ottoman Empire in 1900, historical maps show how territory, power and identity have shifted over time.

Context, not just images

Each map comes with a written guide covering its subject, the period it reflects and the facts that help you interpret it.

History in every border

Empires, wars and old atlases show how the world was divided and understood in earlier centuries.

Data you can see

Population density, religious distribution, railways and sports leagues: thematic maps turn numbers into patterns you can spot at a glance.

From every collection

Explore the collections

Map: River Severn Map

Geography

River Severn Map

The River Severn has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Map: Map of Major Rivers in Us

Geography

Map of Major Rivers in Us

The map of major rivers in the United States has evolved over centuries due to various factors, including geological changes and human interventions.

Map: Ptolemy Map 15Th Century

History

Ptolemy Map 15Th Century

The Ptolemy Map from the 15th century, also known as the Ptolemaic Cartography, is a remarkable achievement in the field of cartography.

Map: Religion in Europe, 1950: Map

Religion

Religion in Europe, 1950: Map

A map of Europe's main religious traditions around 1950, from Catholic and Protestant to Orthodox and Muslim areas.

Map: Europe Religion Map 1950

Religion

Europe Religion Map 1950

The Europe Religion Map 1950 showcases the religious landscape of Europe during a particularly significant point in history.

Map: Powderriver Map

Mapping

Powderriver Map

The Powderrivermap project was initiated in 2005 by a team of experienced cartographers and geographers.

Map: Hindoostan Map, 1831

Cartography

Hindoostan Map, 1831

Anthony Finley's 1831 map of Hindoostan, showing India under East India Company rule and its princely states.

A quick guide

How to read any map in four steps

Whether you are looking at a 16th-century chart or an OpenStreetMap city plan, the same four questions unlock most maps.

  1. Check the date and the maker

    A map reflects what its author knew, and wanted to show, at a particular moment. An 1831 map of India and a 2001 census map answer very different questions.

  2. Find the legend

    Colours, hatching and symbols carry the data. Read the key before drawing conclusions from the shapes.

  3. Mind the scale and projection

    Distances and areas are always distorted somewhere. World maps in particular trade accuracy of shape against accuracy of size.

  4. Ask what is left out

    Every map simplifies. Noticing what is missing (disputed borders, minority groups, smaller towns) is as revealing as what is shown.