About Cartography Art
Scale, projection, orientation and symbols affect how a map describes the world. Historical maps may include decorative borders, figures, ships or imagined geographical features alongside practical information. They reveal choices about knowledge and authority as well as location.
A historical map records a particular moment and viewpoint; it should not be treated as a current navigational guide. Follow its date, maker and original title, and distinguish the map's geographical subject from the place where it was produced.