I think that I have always loved maps on some level. As a child, I was the Chief Navigator on family trips; at least in my own mind. I'm quite sure that my parents found it amusing and for the most part, ignored my well intentioned directions. Still; I loved to look at the beautifully colored road maps and trace our progress on them. Somehow, the idea of being able to (more or less) pinpoint our position at any given time on the map thrilled me. I'm not sure I could have put it in words at that point; but the idea that I could use the maps to locate the position of our tiny car and our tiny beings in that huge area was an awesome thought for a youngster to have. Now, as an adult, I still have that love of maps. Within the last several years, that love has turned to the pursuit of collecting and studying those maps.

I have always collected something, but whether it be stamps, coins, shot glasses, or what have you; there always seemed to me to be a point where it became boring to me. Usually, it was at the point in time when I discovered that other than production figures, valuations, etc..that there was little to learn. This has not proven to be so with maps. Here, each acquisition leads to questions whose answers lead to more questions and long hours of enjoyable reading and research. More than a matter of production figures and condition;(although these are important also), is the history of a particular map. Who commissioned it and why? Who did the actual survey, and what dangers were involved? Did the map when completed and published have a major effect on someone's lives? Did it lead to war or a land rush? All these things and much more can come to light in the researching of any given map.
 

What To Collect?

This is a question each of us must answer before we get to involved in this great hobby. If we purchase everything that we see, our collection will have no focus, and as a result will be so generalized that it will be but one of many insignificant accumulations. Additionally; unless we have unlimited funds, we will soon be bankrupt. Instead, it would be better to find an interesting area of the hobby and concentrate on building the finest collection available of that type. To build a collection of that nature, more is needed than just the maps. Equally important is the research we do and any journal or effort at publication that can be made.

So then....what areas exist? That is a short question with a long answer! Many paths can be followed. One can focus on any of the following:

 Maps of certain countries or even specific areas within countries.

 Maps by an individual cartographer.

 Maps of a specific era.

 Maps with original color, or maps with color added at a later date.

 Maps that have had an impact on history, politics, or everyday life.

 Maps displaying a cartographic error; such as those maps showing California as an Island.

Maps showing major battles of wars.

Maps showing demographics; such as number of manufacturers of a
particular item, and their locations; voter preferences and which precincts
support which platforms.

City maps; particularly older ones which combine a birdseye view with
an accurate placement of streets and structures..(My own area of interest)

Maps of the world.

Road maps.

Pictorial maps.

There are probably many other areas of interest which can be explored. The important thing is to collect what interests you and gives you enjoyment. It is better to have a few maps which you enjoy and research thoroughly, than to amass a huge repository of maps, simply for their value and about which you may have little or no real knowledge. The idea is to have fun with what you are doing and to learn something in the process. My interest in maps has led me to learn about the process of surveying and the actual process of making a map. It had led me to an interest in the actual use of maps in navigating, on land, on sea, and in the air. I have become an avid user of a mapping GPS unit. (Mine is a Garmin E-Map) I feel fortunate in that I use maps daily in my profession. Not only do I appreciate the beauty of a well made map; I find maps absolutely necessary in daily life. Life is good!

I recently made a great find; a map of the city of Lowellville, Ohio; a small town I grew up in on the outskirts of Youngstown, Ohio, during the 60's. The map was from an atlas and dates from 1837. It certainly looks a lot different than it did during my years there! I was able to purchase this map which has great personal meaning for me for the paltry sum of $25.00! I wouldn't sell it for any amount! It is shown below.
 
 

Some Useful Links
Mercator's World Archives  Back issues of Mercator's World with selected articles available online.

Generations Press Genealogical Books and Maps   Offering :City Maps and Town Plans for Genealogy.

WWW-Virtual Library: History   Map History / History of Cartography: THE Gateway to the Subject.
 

Mapopolis maps for handhelds  A useful site for users of handhelds.

Books Of Interest To Map Collectors

Collecting Old Maps by Francis J. Manasek
 

                                                                                  LEGEND IMAGING