CARTOGRAPHY
The thorough documentation of a historical narrative often depends on an understandable illustration of the geographical framework that the story takes place within — in other words: a good map. Maps that describe historical geography should be accurate, readable, and organizationally understandable. I can help you illustrate your book, website, or presentation with high-quality maps that compliment your text.
My special interests are trail research, historical maps and original cartography. I’ve done a great deal of research on 19th century trails in Arizona and the southwest. My findings are published on this website and in various print publications. This experience as a trail researcher helps me to make better maps for my clients.
- I use the latest software and digital techniques to create high-quality maps in black & white or color.
- I create custom color and black & white maps for print media (books and posters) and digital publishing (websites and presentations).
- Completed map files can be delivered digitally, via email or FTP in a variety of formats.
- Brokering services also available to print your map.
Here are some common map styles to choose from – see the Map Portfolio and Cartobibliography for more:

A simple black & white map with plain background

Black and white map with mountain pictures

Black and white map with hachures to show terrain

Black & white map with wave effect and shaded relief terrain.

Black and white map with plain background

Full color map with modern highways
*Historiographic Cartography means illustrating history with maps
About the map behind the title: This is an interpretation of the “Sketch of Aztec Pass” inset from Map 2 of Amiel W. Whipple’s railroad survey on the 35th parallel in 1853-54. The portion at right is Whipple’s map. At left is a modern interpretation with a shaded relief color background, a red dashed line for Whipple’s wagon trail and a black hatched line to show his recommended railroad route. This illustrates the valley of Whipple’s “Pueblo Creek” (modern Walnut Creek), about 35 miles northwest of Prescott, Arizona.
© Southwest Explorations, 2014