History of Map in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

A map is a visual representation of an area, whether real or imagined, designed to highlight relationships between elements such as objects, regions, or themes. By using scale, projection, and symbols, maps translate complex three-dimensional geographic or abstract data into a two-dimensional format. Key functions include navigation, spatial analysis, and the communication of geographical information. Throughout history, maps have evolved from primitive sketches to sophisticated digital tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS-integrated applications. Beyond mere physical geography, maps are versatile instruments used in fields ranging from meteorology and urban planning to epidemiology and digital gaming, serving as essential tools for orientation, exploration, and the visualization of global or localized data.

1900: Beginning of the Wizard of Oz book series

In 1900, L. Frank Baum began the publication of the Wizard of Oz book series, which prominently featured maps of the land of Oz.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Illustrated First Edition): 100th Anniversary OZ Collection

Check it on Amazon

1920: Conclusion of early Wizard of Oz map era

By 1920, the publication period for the early entries in the Wizard of Oz book series concluded, during which maps of the fictional world were regularly featured.

1931: Publication of Science and Sanity

In 1931, Alfred Korzybski published his book Science and Sanity, which introduced the influential philosophical concept that a map serves as a structural model of reality rather than being the territory itself, establishing a foundational view for modern scientific cartography.

1933: Launch of the London Underground map

In 1933, the London underground map was introduced, utilizing a groundbreaking schematic design that prioritized clarity and usability over strict geographical accuracy to better assist commuters.

1937: Start of The Lord of the Rings publication

The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien, notable for its detailed maps of Middle Earth, began its publication run in 1937.

J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

Check it on Amazon

1938: Erwin Raisz Defines Cartography

In 1938, cartographer Erwin Raisz provided a foundational definition of a map in the first major English-language book on cartography, describing it as a conventionalized aerial picture of the Earth's pattern featuring identifying lettering.

1949: Completion of The Lord of the Rings

In 1949, the publication window for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series concluded, leaving behind a legacy of iconic fantasy world mapping.

J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

Check it on Amazon

1976: Arthur H. Robinson's Definition of a Map

In 1976, cartographer Arthur H. Robinson proposed a broad definition for a map, describing it as "a graphic representation of the milieu," which moved the field beyond traditional paper-based representations of Earth.

1985: Shridath Ramphal Challenges Cartographic Bias

In 1985, politician Shridath Ramphal publicly urged geographers to address the inherent cultural biases found in maps, specifically arguing that the conventional 'north-up' orientation reinforces a geopolitical hierarchy that unfairly positions northern nations as superior to those in the south.

1987: Harley and Woodward Definition of Cartography

In 1987, John Brian Harley and David Woodward established a formal definition for cartography, characterizing maps as graphic representations designed to facilitate a spatial understanding of concepts, processes, conditions, and events within the human world.

1990: Railway Infrastructure Mapping in Sri Lanka

In 1990, cartographers utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) queries to analyze and map railway data across Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on the track gauge specifications for various segments of the rail network.

2005: Adoption of Web Mercator by Google

In 2005, Google officially adopted the Web Mercator projection—a variant of the standard Mercator projection—to power their online zoomable global mapping services. This decision has since become a point of contention due to significant distortions at high latitudes and coordinate inaccuracies experienced when users zoom into specific locations.

2013: Fantasy literature map survey

A 2013 survey conducted on 200 fantasy books revealed that 34% of these works included maps of their fictional settings.

2026: Oxford English Dictionary definition updates

As of 2026, the Oxford English Dictionary officially expanded the definition of the word 'map' to include not only the traditional representation of the Earth's surface but also broader figurative meanings, such as mental representations of conceptual structures and the spatial distribution of data.