80 Curious Maps To Expand Your Knowledge Of The World (New Pics)

To learn more about maps from an expert, we got in touch with Ivos Gajdorus from Mapotic. Mapotic is a startup driving geospatial innovation since 2018. Originally launched as an interactive map builder for creators and communities, it has evolved into a platform delivering custom B2B mapping solutions. 

By fusing satellite, IoT, location, and metadata from various sources, Mapotic creates powerful, user-friendly web and mobile applications. And today, it serves sectors including wildlife tracking, travel and tourism, logistics, and civic projects.

First, we wanted to hear why Ivos believes maps are so important. “The question of ‘where’ is deeply embedded in most human activities,” he shared. “Maps are a powerful form of visual interpretation that help us make sense of locations — especially those we are not familiar with. They turn complex spatial information into something understandable and usable.”

We also asked the expert if he happens to have a favorite map. “One of the most impactful maps powered by the Mapotic platform is the Ocearch Shark Tracker, which helps the global community better understand changes in our oceans by tracking the movement and behavior of sharks. They reveal patterns and shifts we would otherwise miss.”

If you’re interested in making your own maps, Ivos shared some advice. “Before creating a map, think carefully about the information structure,” he shared. “Maps are just one way to interpret data, and thoughtful categorization and classification are key for building complex maps that are easy to navigate and understand.”

Finally, Ivos shared a fun fact about ancient maps. “According to many sources, the oldest known map dates back around 25,000 years. It was carved into a mammoth tusk and discovered in Pavlov, Czech Republic — proof that even prehistoric people didn’t like getting lost.” 

You can learn even more about the topic right here!

As for why maps are so important, Mike Duggan, author of All Mapped Out, wrote a piece for The Conversation noting that they don’t just tell us where we are, but also who we are. Duggan explains that most of us are constantly tracking where we are, just by carrying our cell phones around with us. But that data can reveal lots of information about our cultures, habits and lifestyles. Do you spend hours every week sitting in your local library? Or do you track all of your runs and bike rides on your phone? Your GPS history might even help someone predict exactly where you’ll be on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. 

“With my book, I hope to inspire another look at maps, first through the lens of navigation, perhaps the activity mostly strongly associated with maps, then through movement and how maps shape our perception of it,” Duggan writes.

He explains that, contrary to what many people believe, maps aren’t inherently neutral. They’re often created with certain biases or objectives in mind. So we should consider how they shape our opinions and movements when we look at them.

And if you’ve ever assumed that the world has enough maps already, think again. Duggan writes that, as the world continues to evolve, we need to update our maps as well. “My hope is to create a conversation – one that so far is only being had in a small corner of map studies – encouraging people to think beyond the assumptions society has about maps and how we use them.”

We hope you’re enjoying this list of fascinating maps, pandas! Keep upvoting all of your favorites, and let us know in the comments down below what the most interesting map you’ve ever seen was. Then, if you’d like to check out even more maps that will teach you something new about our world, we’ve got the perfect Bored Panda list for you to read next right here!