How to Think Like a Mapmaker

Using Symbols to Make Your Points

Which One Is a Symbol?

A.

B.

It Depends on How You Use It

Ornamental Pattern

Route 66

Road Symbol

Topographical Map Symbols

Topographical Map Symbols--Variations

Mountain range

City or village

Swamp

Forest

Some Military Map Symbols

Troop movements

Battle site

Radar stations

Forts

Maps withTopographical Features: “Fantasy”

Maps withTopographical Features: “Reality”

“Topo” Sketch Map of Bull Run

Adding the 4th Dimension: Time

Maps are often used to show changes that occur in a particular area over time, especially when politics are involved…

“The Growth of Prussia into the German Empire”

Other Map Symbols

What might be the theme of a map that uses these symbols?

Miyama: A Japanese Village of Ceramicists

Babylonian Map (about 700-500 BC)

Cuneiform text

Graphic representation Babylon

Tigris and Euphrates