A map is a two-dimensional, geometrically accurate representation of a three-dimensional space, typically on a scale smaller than 1:1. It is an abstract tool used to facilitate the understanding and visualization of spatial relationships. Maps can be static (e.g., paper), interactive (e.g., web-based), or dynamic (e.g., animated).
The first known map was created by the Babylonians in 6th century BCE. It was a clay tablet with markings that represented the locations of cities and other features in Mesopotamia. The ancient Greeks also created maps, but they were more concerned with representing Earth’s surface as a whole rather than specific regions. In the 2nd century CE, Ptolemy published his Geography, which contained instructions on how to create maps using latitude and longitude lines.
During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, Europeans began creating detailed maps of the world as they learned more about its geography through exploration and colonization. In 1791, German cartographer Johann Georg Kohl produced one of the first modern atlases, which included detailed maps of all continents along with accompanying text descriptions. Today, there are many different types of maps available online and in print form that serve various purposes such as navigation, planning trips, or learning about new places.