The Map Room

The Map Room is a blog that points to maps, map collections, map-related resources, and material about maps on the web. Launched in March 2003, The Map Room is aimed at a broad audience. While cartographers and people in the geospatial industry seem to enjoy reading it, it’s meant to be accessible to anyone with nothing more than an interest in maps.

Library of Congress

In the last post, I mentioned the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. I thought it might be beneficial to mention some other useful links to Library of Congress sites. First, one should visit the main Library of Congress page. There one will discovery a vast amount of information. The LOC Geography and Map Reading Room is the site for the map reading room in Washington DC. On the site, they have a link to the previously mentioned Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress. For general information visit the Research and Reference Services site which provides information of LOC collections and research tools.

History of Cartography

Maphistory.info is a great resource for cartography from a historical standpoint. This site is a gateway to other sites where you will find old and early maps, map collection, cartographic societies, and exhibitions. The site's 100+ 'pages' offer comment and guidance, and over 5000 annotated links selected for relevance and quality.

Waldseemüller Map

Last July, I had the privilege of having the opportunity to view the Waldseemüller map on display at the Library of Congress. Waldseemüller’s map supported Vespucci’s revolutionary concept by portraying the New World as a separate continent, which until then was unknown to the Europeans. It was the first map, printed or manuscript, to depict clearly a separate Western Hemisphere, with the Pacific as a separate ocean. The map represented a huge leap forward in knowledge, recognizing the newly found American landmass and forever changing the European understanding of a world divided into only three parts—Europe, Asia, and Africa. As a cartographer, it was a honor and joy to see such a wonderful document.

Drafting Tools Site

AbstractorsTools.com is a nice site for drafting scales and mapping paper. The mapping paper is handy for abstractors working in the field.

Pronto Land Measure

For manual drafting, I like using a protractor called the Pronto Land Measure Compass. It's a really nice protractor. What I like most about it is the arm that allows you to line up your construction lines. I got mine from the person who had my job before me. I though they were out of business until someone found their website. I need to order a few more to put back for safe keeping.