My method for creating fictional world maps:
1) go for a walk after rain
2) take photos of drying spots on the sidewalk
3) draw over them ✨ 
#worldbuilding #worldbuildingart #cartography #fictionalmaps
Edited 194d ago
cartography
Flemish cartogapher Abraham Ortelius was born #OTD in 1527.
He is best known for his work in creating the first modern atlas, titled "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (1570). Before "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," maps were typically scattered in various separate works. He collected & organized them into a single comprehensive volume, which proved to be a groundbreaking achievement in the history of cartography. His atlas included 53 maps, each depicting a different region of the world.
If you're into map making geekery, this is a great Ted Talk about the biggest mistakes cartographers have made about the Earth's geography.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kayla_wolf_the_biggest_mistakes_in_mapmaking_history?language=en
Edited 148d ago
#OTD in 1570.
Cartographer Abraham Ortelius issues Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas.
Three Latin editions of this (besides a Dutch, a French and a German edition) appeared before the end of 1572; 25 editions came out before Ortelius' death in 1598; and several others were published subsequently, for the atlas continued to be in demand till about 1612. It is often considered as the official beginning of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography (~1570s–1670s).
Dutch physician, mathematician, cartographer Gemma Frisius was born #OTD in 1555.
He created important globes, improved the mathematical instruments of his day and applied mathematics in new ways to surveying and navigation. Gemma's rings, an astronomical instrument, are named after him. He observed the total lunar eclipse of 3 Mar 1569 and he also discovered the 1572 supernova in Cassiopeia on 9 Nov, which he observed two days before Tycho Brahe.
English explorer and cartographer Robert Dudley was born #OTD in 1574.
The most important of Dudley's works was Dell'Arcano del Mare (Secrets of the Sea). It includes a comprehensive treatise on navigation and shipbuilding and it has become renowned as the first atlas of sea charts of the world. Originally published at Florence in 1646 in Italian, they represent a collection of all contemporary naval knowledge.
Edited 43d ago
New Greater Northshore and MEGAMAP (Northwest King County) bike map update!
This version is very 1 Line light-rail focused, not just adding 1 Line stations but upgrading street labels for better wayfinding. It contains several other updates and two contributions as well.
https://solarbird.net/blog/2024/08/29/greater-northshore-bike-connector-map-1-4-release/
All previous advertised permalinks remain valid.
Edited 21d ago