Cartographic Grounds

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Cartographers both ancient and modern share a similar challenge: depicting three-dimensional space on paper. Over time, the means for doing this have certainly changed, but maps produced then and now utilize the same "foundational representational techniques," note Harvard University professors Desimini (landscape architecture) and Waldheim (John E. Irving Professor of Landscape Architecture). Their beautifully realized title depicts these methods--the use of isobaths, crosshatching, and land classification, for example, with high-quality, color reproductions from all over the world illustrating how today's design innovations can produce stunning results (the book also includes some older maps and map sections). Bonuses include historical and social commentary found in the introduction, essays opening each chapter, and alongside the maps. "Notes on Scale," for instance, informs readers that "this level of detail is a privilege.... There is, and always has been, a correlation between power and the availability of geospatial data." VERDICT Succinct, well-written notes on mapping basics, and the gorgeous examples employed, make this a must for academic geography, cartography, and design collections.--Henrietta Verma, formerly with Library Journal

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