Information and Power

While maps have always provided users with information beyond geographic boundaries, thematic maps became especially popular in the 19th century.

More than renderings of continents, world maps reflect the interests of the societies that made them. Some of these maps share economic statistics about different countries, or highlight the safest travel routes for merchant ships. Others depict colonial claims on territories, or show the religious beliefs of different countries. What all of these maps share, however, is an interest in legitimizing information. From their association with ancient Greek and Roman civilizations as rendered through border illustrations, to the inclusion of scientific knowledge, maps have long exuded a sense of authority. As a result, people have used maps to affirm a variety of political and social motives, from demarcating geographic boundaries to verifying specific trade routes.