Story Research: Maps

Throughout history, borders have constantly shifted. Countries come and go. Manmade designs are built, moved, abandoned, or renamed. You can't rely on modern maps for historical accuracy. Luckily, there are multiple resources for both modern and historical settings.

The Agas Map of London in the 1500s to 1600s with details down to the location of pubs etc. https://mapoflondon.uvic.ca/agas.htm

Metrocosm allows you to watch the rise and fall of cities across time. http://metrocosm.com/history-of-cities/ watch world cities disappear

Ancient Roman Roads: This source overlaid the ancient roman road system with modern subway maps. http://www.openculture.com/2017/06/ancient-romes-system-of-roads-visualized-in-the-style-of-modern-subway-maps.html

Google Maps allows you to zoom into Satellite and Street View in many locations and move around the area you wish to explore. You can see how a city is laid out, walk down its Main Street, or find the subway stations. You can look at the facades of famous homes and tourist sites. https://www.google.com/maps

You can go further if you enter Google Earth Voyager https://earth.google.com/web/. From note cards to video tours, this service takes the basic street view to a new level of touring and virtual guides. 

Google Virtual Tours take you so close, it is almost like being there. 

 https://artsandculture.google.com/project/virtual-tours through their Arts and Cultural Tour project

National Geographic Maps allow you to explore around the globe.

https://www.natgeomaps.com/

Old Maps Online allows you to choose a specific location on the map or browse their list. It has an extensive array of road maps from past eras. https://www.oldmapsonline.org/

United States Geographical Survey/USGS also offers a wide array of historical maps: https://www.usgs.gov/news/historical-maps-your-fingertips and topographical maps http://historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs.

David Rumsey Historical Map Collection includes rare 16th through 21st century maps of America, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic, and the World.

Next week, we look at building a unique map for your fictional story world.

For advanced worldbuilding check out SBB Build A World Workbook in print and ebook.