Maps: The Art of a Science
The history of civilization has been illustrated by maps-maps that depict
battles, scientific phenomena, and discoveries of new land throughout
history. These maps can vary in numerous ways. For instance, by modern
convention-and for no scientific reason-modern maps are usually oriented
with north at the top. But Al Idrisi's 1154 world map shows the Arabian
Peninsula in the top center of the map, with south at the top. Different
societies in different parts of the world literally have different perspectives,
which result from differences in physical geography, language, religion,
cultural values and traditions, and history.
What is the main focus of the text?
the most common purposes that maps have
the history of cartography and how it has recently become an art and a
science
