Old Map vs. New Map

Although they often lack geographic accuracy, old maps are useful tools in evaluating the landscape’s history. For example, the map to the left depicts the Western United States in 1841, 25 years before Nevada became a state and many more years before the Western frontier was settled. This map is a historical artifact, in that, it highlights where California and Oregon’s borders began and ended. Borders change with time and politics, and the nascent American Republic is no exception. Historical maps are also intriguing, because they raise a variety of questions about the cartographic methods used by early geographers. For instance, how were maps drawn? How long did it take them to be drawn? How accurate are early historical depictions of the Earth? What traditions have persevered over time?

New maps are useful for obvious reasons. They are (usually) geographically accurate and abide by cartographic conventions. Color and content are among the conventions established in New maps are useful for obvious reasons. They are (usually) geographically accurate and abide by cartographic conventions. Color and content are among the conventions established in modern cartography, and they are useful, because they provide map-readers with a sense of consistency. More importantly, conventions make maps easier for the layperson to read. New maps are also useful, in that, they are not limited by tradition. By this I mean, maps are more than pieces of paper you hang on the wall; they can be animated or produced from satellite imagery. New maps are capable of introducing the lay map-reader to a new world of geographic understanding. modern cartography, and they are useful, because they provide map-readers with a sense of consistency. More importantly, conventions make maps easier for the layperson to read. New maps are also useful, in that, they are not limited by tradition. By this I mean, maps are more than pieces of paper you hang on the wall; they can be animated or produced from satellite imagery. New maps are capable of introducing the lay map-reader to a new world of geographic understanding.