Evolution of Maps

By OliviaJorgensen
  • Jan 1, 1527

    First Scientific World Map

    First Scientific World Map
    Diogo Ribeiro created the first scientific world map: the 1527 Padron real. This map shows, for the first time, precise coastlines, the extension of the Pacific Ocean, and the Treaty of Tordesillas.
  • Jan 1, 1569

    First Mathematical World Map

    First Mathematical World Map
    Gerardus Mercator made the first mathematical world map in 1569. He wanted to make the world "look right", and this led to Mercator Projection, the modern view of the world.
  • Jan 1, 1570

    First Atlas

    First Atlas
    Abraham Ortelius published the first atlas, book of maps, titled THE THEATRUM ORBIS TERRARUM.

  • Prime Meridian

    Prime Meridian
    The Greenwich Prime Meridian became the world-wide standard for all cartographers.

  • Photography using Aircraft

    Photography using Aircraft
    Airplanes were first used to photograph large areas of land at one time.

  • Global Positioning System- GPS

    Global Positioning System- GPS
    The Reagan Administration opened the Global Positioning System, GPS, to the public. GPS is used for aircrafts, shipping, and transport of

  • Computers are used for Maps

    Computers are used for Maps
    Computers were used in the mid-1990s to store, sort, and arrange data for map making in order to create map projections.

  • Modern GPS System

    Modern GPS System
    Computers allowed for the modern GPS System within civilian life, such as directions in transportation (cars) and used when hiking.

  • Google Maps

    Google Maps
    Google presents an application called GoogleMaps. This specific application is a "web-mapping" service that gives directions to a specific destination. Further development allowed GoogleEarth to show a satellite view of neighborhoods and homes.

  • Hand-held GPS

    Hand-held GPS
    GPS became a small unit that can fit in one's hands. GPS was newly available on cellular telephones, as well.