Discussion: Strange maps

It's maybe not exactly what the subject suggests, but I'm guessing people who enjoy orienteering probably enjoy in maps in a more general sense as well.

I found this this guy's blog a couple days ago. It has a large collection of funny, interesting, and just plain weird examples of cartography.

Cool.

Here is another nifty map that shows Napoleon's army's losses on the way to and from Moscow along with air temperature. Edward Tuft calls it "Probably the best statistical graphic ever drawn".

I saw the Napoleon map at the Field Museum in Chicago a few months ago, along with many other famous maps. The Festival of Maps was going on there, and there were exhibits at many of the city's museums. The exhibit at the Field was called "Maps: Finding Our Place in the World". It is now at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Even though it doesn't mention orienteering, any one in the area should make a point to see it.

Soupbone and I went over to see that Field Museum exhibit early in its run in Chicago. It was jammed. Wish we had brought some brochures on orienteering and CAOC. I think we could have doubled the size of our club in just an afternoon!

Unfortunately the "Maps" exhibit at the Field Museum is now closed. However, a very interesting permanent exhibit of old and strange maps is at the Newberry Library, just north of the Loop.