Humans have been making maps for as long as they’ve been exploring the Earth. Some of their cartographic maps went on to change the world—but other maps wound up stirring up quite a bit of drama.

Our maps have long been known for their distinctive typefaces, but few outside the Society know of the history that lies behind them. ByJuan José Valdés Until the early 1930s, most of our maps ...

Maps can inspire real or fantastic travel plans ... Learn more about the history of the National Geographic cartographic department.

Laura is an Assistant Editor for The Scientist. She has a background in microbiology. Her science communication work spans journalism and public engagement. View Full Profile. Learn about our ...

Fieldwork is often written up as a report. Cartographic skills - AQA Maps represent the real world. Cartographic means anything relating to the drawing or making of maps. Atlas maps show large ...