7ronin
海軍少佐
I would like to recommend two books to anyone who loves maps and mapping:
How to Lie with Maps
by Mark Monmonier
Originally published to wide acclaim, this lively, cleverly illustrated essay on the use and abuse of maps teaches us how to evaluate maps critically and promotes a healthy skepticism about these easy-to-manipulate models of reality. As Monmonier shows, maps not only point the way and provide information, maps lie. In fact, they must. The second edition is updated with the addition of two new chapters, 10 color plates, and a new foreword by renowned geographer H. J. de Blij. One new chapter examines the role of national interest and cultural values in national mapping organizations, including the United States Geological Survey, while the other explores the latest technology in multimedia, computer-based maps. To show how maps distort, Monmonier introduces basic principles of mapmaking, gives entertaining examples of the misuse of maps in situations from zoning disputes to census reports, and covers all the typical kinds of distortions from deliberate oversimplifications to the misleading use of color.
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Age
by Dava Sobel
The author sets the stage by recounting the difficulties early navigators had in determining their exact longitude. After the loss of many ships and human lives, Parliament in 1714 offered a rich prize for a practical way to measure longitude at sea. John Harrison, an apparently self-taught English clockmaker undertook the task. Over a period of 40 years, he developed four increasingly precise chronometers capable of holding accurate time over a long sea voyage. Comparing the chronometer's time to the local sun time, a navigator could quickly measure the longitude with high precision. With the support of King George III, the clockmaker eventually prevailed and was awarded the prize. There is also an illustrated edition.
Both of these books are excellent.
How to Lie with Maps
by Mark Monmonier
Originally published to wide acclaim, this lively, cleverly illustrated essay on the use and abuse of maps teaches us how to evaluate maps critically and promotes a healthy skepticism about these easy-to-manipulate models of reality. As Monmonier shows, maps not only point the way and provide information, maps lie. In fact, they must. The second edition is updated with the addition of two new chapters, 10 color plates, and a new foreword by renowned geographer H. J. de Blij. One new chapter examines the role of national interest and cultural values in national mapping organizations, including the United States Geological Survey, while the other explores the latest technology in multimedia, computer-based maps. To show how maps distort, Monmonier introduces basic principles of mapmaking, gives entertaining examples of the misuse of maps in situations from zoning disputes to census reports, and covers all the typical kinds of distortions from deliberate oversimplifications to the misleading use of color.
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Age
by Dava Sobel
The author sets the stage by recounting the difficulties early navigators had in determining their exact longitude. After the loss of many ships and human lives, Parliament in 1714 offered a rich prize for a practical way to measure longitude at sea. John Harrison, an apparently self-taught English clockmaker undertook the task. Over a period of 40 years, he developed four increasingly precise chronometers capable of holding accurate time over a long sea voyage. Comparing the chronometer's time to the local sun time, a navigator could quickly measure the longitude with high precision. With the support of King George III, the clockmaker eventually prevailed and was awarded the prize. There is also an illustrated edition.
Both of these books are excellent.
