Maps in different forms has been created by humans since ancient times and served various purposes. During the Age of Exploration, the need for maps and mapping increased and cartography underwent great development. Cartographers studied stars and mathematics in order to map the New World of the Earth. In the 1990's, cartography and mapping took off in a new direction. The development of computers, GPS and Web 2.0 allowed people to use and create maps and map services to a whole new extent.

Cartography has been practiced and studied since the dawn of mapping, but how can cartography be defined? In short, I would define cartography as the science and art of creating maps to communicate spatial relationships and geographic information of features on Earth's surface.

My name is Evelina Herstedt. I have a bachelors degree in landscape science and I am currently studying geomatics in the University of Gävle. 

During my first GIS-studies, I discovered that I find maps and mapping interesting. I realized that there are many ways of mapping, generalizing, classifying and symbolizing, and I am keen on learning more within the subject of cartography in order to create beautiful maps that are true to my intentions. I have a personal interest in arts and visual representation, and perhaps this can help me in my cartography studies. Enjoy!

Evelina