Map Resources Blog

Cartography is a unique blend of information and art, and unlike many other modern technological fields, cartography has a deep well of history informing it. History’s earliest known world map was scratched on clay tablets in the ancient city of Babylon sometime around 600 B.C., proving that the instinct to create a picture of of our place on earth has long existed in human culture. Many elements of modern cartography originated with the work of the Greco-Roman scholar Ptolemy, who produced the eight-volume textbook “Geography,” around 150 A.D.,  Ptolemy produced the first maps to use mathematical principles, and many of...

Map Resources just released an expanded map of the Middle East, including an option with terrain background.

Although charts have long been used to convey information, April 26, 2018 is the first time International Chart Day was officially recognized.  It is believed that the first "chart" was created in the 1700's by William Playfair, a Scottish inventor and engineer.  Prior to that, words and images were two distinct ways of communicating that rarely converged. Representative Mark Takano, Tumblr, and the Society for News Design teamed up to bring some attention to the humble chart by promoting a resolution in congress establishing the official recognition for International Chart Day.  The goal of International Chart Day is to assist...

In the past few years, drones have moved from strictly military to widespread commercial use. And they have proved their usefulness in an astounding array of fields, ranging from agriculture applications to zoos, where drones are being used to feed animals. Drones are also making a huge impact in the important work of “counter-mapping”, that is, mapping an area according to information gathered by indigenous people, rather than governments and faraway institutions. The term “counter-mapping” was coined by Nancy Peluso, Forest Policy expert who teaches at UC Berkeley, to refer to acts of non-state cartography. Maps Represent Authority Throughout history, maps...

This year, April 15 falls on a Sunday. and thus the tax deadline would normally be moved to the next Monday, April 16 — except that's Emancipation Day. The Emancipation Day holiday is celebrated in Washington DC, so the IRS is closed on Monday. Thus, the tax-filing deadline is shifted one more day ahead, to Tuesday, April 17, giving tax procrastinators 2 extra days. Just be sure you don't miss the deadline.  No matter your circumstances, all the tax experts advise filing on time.  If the IRS owes you money, filing is the only way to get it. If you...