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Why North is Up

Map Conventions and Where They Came From
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( 44 ratings, 4 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Why North is Up explores the fascinating evolution of map-making conventions. Mick Ashworth examines how cartographers over centuries have developed the craft and established a universal language of maps. The book covers key aspects like map orientation, projections, typography, scale, colour, symbols, relief representation, and treatment of boundaries and place names. It reveals how mapping techniques have adapted to new technologies and changing needs, explaining why some symbols are crucial for safety and why universal agreement can be challenging. This accessible guide uncovers the hidden techniques behind maps and their history.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for map enthusiasts, historians, and those curious about cartography’s development. It suits readers interested in geography, design, and the practical and artistic aspects of map-making. The conversational style and rich illustrations make it accessible to general readers as well as specialists and students in related fields.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Many people have a love of maps. But what lies behind the process of map-making? Here is an accessible and enlightening guide to the sometimes hidden techniques of map-making through the centuries.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Many people have a love of maps. But what lies behind the process of map-making? How have cartographers through the centuries developed their craft and established a language of maps which helps them to better represent our world and help users to understand it?

This book tells the story of how widely accepted mapping conventions originated and evolvedβ€”from map orientation, projections, typography, and scale, to the use of colour, symbols, ways of representing relief, and the treatment of boundaries and place names. It charts the fascinating story of how conventions have changed in response to new technologies and ever-changing mapping requirements, how symbols can be a matter of life or death, why universal acceptance of conventions can be difficult to achieve, and how new mapping conventions are developing to meet the needs of modern cartography.

Why North is Up offers an accessible and enlightening guide to the sometimes hidden techniques of map-making through the centuries.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jerry Brotton calls the book β€˜elegantly written and beautifully illustrated,’ essential for any map lover. Mike Parker praises its lively narrative and lavish illustrations, describing the book as both entertaining and enlightening for casual readers and enthusiasts. Sheetlines highlights the detailed illustrations and notes its appeal beyond just newcomers, praising the comprehensive exploration of mapping history from Ptolemy to modern crowd-sourced maps. Overall, reviewers commend the book's engaging style and informative content.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781851245192

Publisher: Bodleian Library

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 August 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bodleian Library

Illustration: 108 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 176.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 906g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Mick Ashworth is Director of Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd and Consultant Editor to 'The Times Atlas of the World'. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

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