Atlas of Oblique Maps, 2017-03-23 ():
A gem of a publication semi-related to hidden hydrology by very related to cool maps, is one the US Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series I-1799, published in 1988, entitled the Atlas of Oblique Maps: A collection of landform portrayals of selected areas of the world. As noted, the maps are all oblique aerials, and range 1961–25198638ya, so are pre-digital. The ability to represent complex geographic and topography features enlightens many maps of this sort, and the techniques to create this makes for a fascinating read. Some introductory text from the Preface:
Oblique maps portray the surface of the Earth as if viewed from above at an oblique angle (usually about 30°). This atlas is a collection of more than 100 oblique maps that were compiled 1961–25198638ya. In cooperation with scientists of the US Geological Survey, all but one of these maps were designed for a specific scientific purpose and publication, and the geographic area, orientation, angle of view, scale, and size of the area portrayed in each map differed with each intended purpose. Some of these maps show the physiography of a large regional area, while others focus on just a few landforms. The purpose of this atlas is to present these oblique maps in one publication with a common format, to provide a history and explanation of the techniques used to make these maps, and to supply a bibliography for the individually published maps
…Some of the benefits of this type of map are discussed, including more realism and easier comprehension, and ability maintain scale. Disadvantages included displacement of features, and hiding of key elements, and a relative inexactness of elevation and location. I think of many of the maps of cities in the late 1800s that were drawn using similar techniques, which show features in a compelling way, but somehow exist with a tantalizing lack of precision…So why should these matter, aside from their value as historical maps? The conclusion sums it up, along with a very prescient commentary on the value and future of mapping in our current age of Google Earth:
“Because oblique maps are instructive and easy to read, they help the scientist communicate with the layman concerning our environment, especially in those areas, such as the sea floor, that are not easily accessible. With increasing population and all its attendant stresses on the planet, the need for this communication will become ever greater. Fortunately, in the near future, with new techniques and with the use of computers, the cartographer will be able to respond to this demand and create oblique maps more quickly and more economically.”
A bunch of the examples below show the range of maps—which I count over 100 total, with a vast range in geography from Alaska, Washington and Oregon, California, and many from around the world. The simplicity and elegance of the black and white showcases volcanic variants in the Pacific Northwest, two of my favorite places, Crater Lake and Mount St. Helens.
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