People have been using maps for centuries to accurately find their way through lands. The oldest representation of a map is actually not a land map, but a map of the stars painted on a cave wall. This dates back to 16 500 BC. From very early on, mankind recognized the importance of a map and the potential to help him find his way, but also his place. Maps throughout history have severely changed how we look at our world. As mankind explored and had found new lands, new maps would be drawn to include the information.

Maps of Yesteryear
Originally, maps were all hand drawn by cartographers. They made relatively accurate written and hand drawn notes based on science. Many of those who attempted to make maps were explorers who had in fact traveled themselves and wanted to document the routes they’d taken or the lands they’d discovered. Some of these hand-drawn maps were incredibly detailed and even included vital information like mountain ranges, rivers, lakes and bays on the coastlines.

Maps of Today
Today we have numerous aids when it comes to map-making. For example, most cartographers today use computer software to generate maps. This means that the maps we have today are far more accurate than those that were hand drawn so many centuries ago. Thanks to satellite, radar mapping and also the latest in High Definition photography, we have a much better understanding of the world around us. However, there are still many undiscovered and unvisited areas of the globe.