Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer and the creator of the first modern world atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World), which was first published in 1570. Ortelius is often regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of cartography due to his contributions to the organization and systematization of […]

John Snow (1813–1858) was an English physician, often regarded as one of the founding figures in the field of epidemiology and modern public health. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in tracing the source of a cholera outbreak in London in 1854, using what is now considered one of the earliest applications of […]

Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus) was a Greek-Roman geographer, astronomer, and mathematician who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 2nd century AD (around 100–170 AD). He is best known for his influential work in geography, particularly his seminal book Geographia (often translated as The Geography), which compiled and expanded on earlier knowledge about the world, as well […]

Gerardus Mercator (1512–1594) was a Flemish geographer, cartographer, and mathematician, widely recognized for creating the world-famous Mercator projection. Born in Rupelmonde, which was part of the Duchy of Brabant (modern-day Belgium), Mercator is considered one of the most important figures in the history of mapmaking. Mercator studied at the University of Leuven and later became […]

Heinrich Scherer (born 1640, died 1702) was a German cartographer, geographer, and priest, best known for his contributions to the field of cartography during the late 17th century. Scherer is particularly notable for his work in producing detailed maps and atlases that had both scientific and artistic merit. Early Life and Background: Cartographic Works: “Atlas […]

G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co. was a prominent American mapmaking and publishing company that operated primarily in the 19th century. The company was founded by George W. Colton and his brother Charles B. Colton, both of whom were skilled cartographers and publishers. The Colton name became well-known for producing high-quality maps, atlases, and geographical […]

​Samuel Thornton (c.1665–1715) was a prominent English cartographer and hydrographer, renowned for his detailed nautical charts and maps during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born around 1665 to John Thornton, a distinguished hydrographer and map publisher, Samuel inherited his father’s passion for cartography. Following his father’s death in 1708, Samuel continued the family […]