Maps: Another View

[ailelie]

When I posted resources about maps, I included information about projections and creating something useful for getting to point A to point B. A recent post on Tofugu, however, reminded me that maps are simply a way of representing space.

Tofugu has a post up now that shows some early Buddhist maps from Japan. These maps were not created based on relative size and distance, but rather on religious significance. The result looks impossible for navigation, but shows the general area religious sites occupy and their relative significance.

So, when map making, don't just think about where places are, but also consider who is creating the map and why. Their perspective and purpose should inform a lot of the map's development.

ETA: lea_hazel commented: The most important place in the world should be close to the center, like the 19th century style of world maps focuses on Europe, and some old European maps focus on Jerusalem. This being the most famous one, I think.

Comments

[lea_hazel]

The most important place in the world should be close to the center, like the 19th century style of world maps focuses on Europe, and some old European maps focus on Jerusalem. This being the most famous one, I think.

[ailelie]

Very good point. If you don't mind, I'd like to add your comment as an ETA to the post.

[lea_hazel]

Sure!

[oraien]

I just wanted to drop a note to say, this is some awesome information to use for map-making and world-building.... definitely something lots of people don't consider but they should. So yes. Thank you.

[ailelie]

Thank you! That's one of the goals, sharing information, I mean. I hope you stick around and maybe join in some challenges. :)