The Most Famous Cartographer, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the cartographer you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 08:04
In the realm of map-making, the artistry and precision of cartographers have charted the world's terrains, guiding explorers and scholars through unknown lands. Their skills have not only mapped physical landscapes but have also shaped our understanding of the world. The significance of recognizing influential cartographers lies in celebrating the minds that have effectively transformed complex, geographic data into accessible and informative maps.
By ranking these pioneers, we engage in a dynamic tradition of valuing historical and contemporary contributions to cartography. This not only illuminates the rich tapestry of geographical depiction but also enhances our appreciation of how our world has been interpreted and presented. Your votes help to highlight the achievements of these brilliant individuals, ensuring their legacies are acknowledged and appreciated by new generations.
Who Is the Most Famous Cartographer?
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122votes
Frans Hogenberg · Public domainHe is widely considered as the most famous cartographer due to his creation of the Mercator projection, which is still widely used today. He also produced numerous maps and atlases during the 16th century. -
228votesHe was a Greek mathematician, geographer, and astronomer who created the first known world map that included both latitude and longitude. His works were widely influential in the development of cartography.Ptolemy is an ancient Greek name commonly associated with the ruling dynasty of ancient Egypt. It is derived from the Greek name 'Ptolemaios', which means 'warlike' or 'aggressive'. The name Ptolemy is considered difficult to pronounce due to its unique combination of consonants and the absence of vowels.
- Origin: Ancient Greece/Egypt
- Meaning: Warlike or aggressive
- Pronunciation: TAWL-uh-mee or TUHL-uh-mee
- Popularity: Rare in modern times, historically notable
- Historical Importance: Associated with the ruling dynasty of ancient Egypt, particularly during the Hellenistic period
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313votes
Peter Paul Rubens · Public domainHe was a Flemish cartographer who is credited with creating the first modern atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. He also produced numerous other maps and atlases during the 16th century. -
425votes
Gaston Save · Public domainHe was a German cartographer who is credited with creating the first map that included the name "America." He also produced numerous other maps and atlases during the 16th century. -
511votesHe was an English cartographer who is known for his detailed maps of England and Wales, which were published in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His works were widely influential in the development of British cartography.
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68votes
Samuel de Champlain · Public domainHe was a French explorer and cartographer who is known for his detailed maps of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. He also founded the city of Quebec and explored much of the Great Lakes region. -
712votes
Sequoia Pictures · Public domainHe was an English geologist and cartographer who created the first geological map of England and Wales in the early 19th century. His work was critical in the development of modern geology.William Smith in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous geologist
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86votesHe was a French civil engineer and cartographer who is known for his innovative visualizations of statistical data, including his famous map of Napoleon's Russian campaign. His work was influential in the development of modern data visualization.
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98votesHe was an Austrian painter and cartographer who is known for his highly detailed and accurate panoramic maps of mountain ranges, including the Alps and the Himalayas. His work was influential in the development of modern mountain cartography.
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102votesIt is a globe that was created by Martin Waldseemüller in the early 16th century. It is notable for being the first globe to include the name "America." The globe is currently housed at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
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Ranking factors for famous cartographer
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Significance of their workHow influential and important were their maps and charts in shaping the understanding of the world at their time?
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Innovations and contributions to the fieldDid they introduce any groundbreaking techniques or discoveries that advanced the field of cartography?
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Geographic scopeHow extensive and detailed were the maps and charts they created, and how much of the world did they cover?
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Historical contextWhat were the prevailing political and cultural circumstances surrounding their work, and how did they navigate those challenges to produce their maps and charts?
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Enduring legacyHow much do their maps and charts continue to influence and inspire cartographers and geographers today?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous cartographer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cartographer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1706 views
- 137 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cartographer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cartographer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous cartographer
Cartography is the science and art of map-making. It has been an essential tool for humans for centuries, helping us navigate through unfamiliar territory and understand the world around us. Throughout history, there have been many famous cartographers who have made significant contributions to the field. Some of the most well-known names include Gerardus Mercator, who created the Mercator projection, which is still used today; Abraham Ortelius, who created the first modern atlas; and Ptolemy, who produced the first world map. While there is no definitive answer to the question of who is the most famous cartographer, these individuals have undoubtedly left their mark on the field and helped shape the way we see the world.
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