Alastair Bonnett, a geographer at Newcastle University, UK, has a unique perspective on mapping: he enjoys intentionally getting lost. He argues that our reliance on maps for everyday tasks has diminished our ability to navigate without them. “We’re increasingly not good at dealing with not knowing where things are,” he comments. “Sometimes it feels like we’re in control; sometimes it feels like the map is in control.”
Bonnett believes we are witnessing a golden era of cartography in the 21st century, with maps playing critical roles in various fields—from tracking diseases to locating nearby grocery stores. Despite the widespread use of maps, he expresses concern that many people lack an understanding of what constitutes a quality map or the historical context of these tools. “We need to use this moment to think about the lost traditions of cartography,” he asserts.
In his upcoming book, 40 Maps That Will Change How You See The World, releasing on September 26, Bonnett embarks on a journey through diverse cartographic practices worldwide, ranging from the traditional wooden ocean maps of the Marshall Islands to a 500-year-old Aztec representation of regional leaders.
Many maps included in the collection highlight significant planetary changes or geopolitical issues, while others—such as a map of neurons or a scent map—expand the traditional definition of mapping. Bonnett emphasizes that these maps “disorient and reorient” viewers, prompting fresh perspectives on our place within the cosmos.
The first example in his book depicts the Laniakea Supercluster, a vast collection of over 100,000 galaxies including the Milky Way. The map illustrates the gravitational influences that shape galaxy migration, providing an eye-opening visual of our universe’s structure and scale.
Another noteworthy map, the “Map of the Tracks of Yu,” dates back to 12th-century China. Bonnett regards it as the first modern map due to its grid representation of China’s rivers, demonstrating a significant advancement in cartographic accuracy and organization.
China’s rich mapping history is also reflected in a controversial map discovered in 2001, which purportedly shows the world as known to Chinese geographers in 1418. While Bonnett suggests the map may be a fabrication, he acknowledges China’s legacy as a pioneer in ancient cartography.
Geopolitical themes are evident in a modern Chinese map from 2013 that positions Asia at the globe’s center, underscoring its rising global influence and the economic opportunities linked to climate change in polar regions. “I don’t think we’ve ever lived at a time where the physical natural map of the world is changing so fast,” Bonnett warns.
Another significant historical map from 1593 illustrates Aztec leader Lord-11 Quetzalcatzin surrounded by his descendants, marking a pivotal moment in the transition between Indigenous and post-colonial societies in the Americas.
A contemporary map of New York highlights areas based on a “walkability for women” index, showcasing safety perceptions among women in different neighborhoods. Bonnett notes that this map reflects underlying societal disparities, exposing how safety and infrastructure are intertwined with socioeconomic conditions.
Additionally, a colorful representation of Earth’s mantle below the Pacific Ocean reveals insights gained from seismic wave analysis, offering a glimpse into our planet’s complex internal structure. This project aims to create a comprehensive 3D model of Earth’s mantle using advanced geological data.
40 Maps That Will Change How You See The World will be available from Ivy Press on September 26 in the UK and September 17 in the US.
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