The World's Newest, Most Gloriously Designed Maps

[fermienrico]

These look more like infographics than something a cartographer would design. I don't know much about maps, but I have an intuition of the difference. Cartography in my view is a serious study of 2D space, using mathematics and generally providing a solution to a precise problem (various projections address different aspects such as equal areas, etc.). Infographic is an elementary mapping of geographic data on a map which is more than often only useful in marketing-type materials. Every time I see an infographic, I want to skip to the next page.

Quoting the article, "Cartographers, rejoice". I also despise this kind of writing style.

[s0rce]

I'm not sure about the specific definition of maps vs. infographics and if something can be both. However, regarding the National Park maps do seem to be mostly the latter, while aesthetically pleasing, the lack of topographic information renders them largely useless when actually exploring the park.

[jessriedel]

This was my first impression. I think your comment is constructive and wish people who feel different would explain why.

[OmIsMyShield]

Not minimizing the horror - but the _What if it was your city_ maps drew circles that were somehow quite a bit smaller than I imagined.

Maybe it's precisely because it's so horrific that it loomed larger than life in my head, who knows.

[ant6n]

In cities, a lot of people live in small circles.