CARTOGRAPHY

carto-title

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:

Simple black & white map

A simple black & white map with plain background

Black and white map with mountain pictures

Black and white map with mountain pictures

 

Black and white map with hachures to show terrain

Black and white map with hachures to show terrain

Wave effects and shaded relief

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

 

Black and white map with plain background

Black and white map with plain background

Full color map

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