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All geologists like maps: I’ve argued before that geological maps can be regarded as works of art, because of the way that they force you to think about the ground beneath your feet in new ways. Even if they’re not all as pretty as the great-grandad of them all.
Maps of all scales, from whole countries to a couple of valleys, are available from your friendly, neighbourhood geological surveys. Whilst providing a geological map of the surrounding area or a favourite hiking spot could be regarded as undue and unnecessary encouragement, it’s possible that if we already know what’s up the top of that muddy and precarious hill, we might feel less need to drag everyone else up it so that we can take a look . Well, possibly.
Of course, I’m sure I’m that I’m not alone in thinking that all maps are pretty cool, even ones where the land is all one colour. I’m particularly fond of old, historical ones, be they afflicted with warped geographies and sea monsters, like this world map by Ortelius:
or somewhat more precise attempts, like James Cook’s 1770 chart of New Zealand, a copy of which is one of my favourite souvenirs from my time there.
There are also old local maps which chart the growth of your hometown from farm to village to urban sprawl….
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