Cool Cartography
January 6th, 2007
Good maps tell a story. Whether a map is designed to illustrate something physical, such as roads or buildings, or something intangible, such as demographic trends, the intended message must be clearly communicated. These are interesting maps I have seen recently.
The US ZIPScribble Map connects all of the ZIP codes in the United States in consecutive order. Interestingly, population densities and state borders are revealed.
A 1748 map of Rome drawn by Giambattista Nolli is regarded by scholars and cartographers as one of the most important historical documents of the city. It is also an impressive figure-ground drawing that effectively distinguishes solids and voids, revealing the shape of public space. The Interactive Nolli Map of Rome provides a high resolotion version that users can pan and zoom in or out, as well as apply thematic layers.
A chart of IP addresses organized in a Hilbert curve creates a map of the internet.
Adrian Leskiw designs his own cities and draws comprehensive maps. His website archives both his hand drawn and digital maps. It must require intense passion to become fully immersed in the geography of an imaginary place.
Another fictitious place, this tourist map of Gotham City resembles New York City.
