World Maps Page

I will try to show all the world maps or maps depicting the whole world that has ever been produced by National Geographic on this page.  

I have broken the page into four sections.

1. The first list the earliest depictions of the world produced by the earliest map makers. These maps were later reproduced by National Geographic.
2. The second section list maps that are not of the whole world but of the four hemispheres. I decided to list these maps on this page anyway.
3. The third section list all the Political world maps produced by National Geographic from their earliest map to the most recent. All these maps are rich in detail with clearly defined borders.
4. The last section is my personal favorite and shows the physical world maps produced by National Geographic. These maps are filled with information on such diverse subjects as pollution, geology, biodiversity, water, earthquakes and climate change.

I should also include some of the maps from the Millennium in Maps series. In particular are the maps on the Physical Earth, Cultures, Biodiversity, Population and Exploration.

Click on Map Titles that are Links to see a Picture of that map.

Early World Maps

1. Carte Generale des Decouvertes de Lamiral de Fonte – February 1892 (16”x13”) This is a black and white antique old map created by Joseph-Nicolas de Lapos;Isle in 1752. Is shows the supposed discoveries of Spanish explorer Admiral de la Fuente and the tracks of Spanish, English and Russian navigators.

2. Chronicon Nurembergense 1493 Map - April 1893 (22"x16") This old map was originally only in woodcut form, a Latin version first coming out in 1493 followed shortly by a German version. It was published by National Geographic in 1893. The map shows all known countries, mountain ranges, rivers and other natural features. It has a spectacular marginalia, filled with the winds and mystical figures.

3. Ruysch 1508 map – April 1893 (23”x18”) This old map was made by Johannes Ruysch and is one of the first maps of the new world. It includes an extensive view of South America, islands of the West Indies and a portion of North America. This map illustrates a number of significant geographic features more correctly than before, especially along the easterly sea route to the Orient.

4. Submarine Cables of the World - March 1896 (18"x13") This military map was first developed for The Department of the Navy. It was published by National Geographic in 1896 and shows where the submarine cables were laid, along with the locations where they connect with the land cables. It also shows the locations of refueling stations, repair facilities and docking facilities for ships.

Maps of the Hemispheres

1. Map of Discovery: Eastern Hemisphere – November 1928 (18.5”x16.5”) This map of the Eastern Hemisphere simulates the illuminated mariners charts of the 17^th century. It covers Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia and traces the routes of the great discoverers. It is part of the original murals painted by N.C. Wyeth for the National Geographic Society.

2. Map of Discovery: Western Hemisphere – January 1929 (18.5”x16.5”) This map is also part of five murals painted by N.C. Wyeth for Hubbard Memorial Hall. It includes North America and South America with political boundaries as they existed in 1927. The map has ocean routes of explorers and the dates they traveled them and a beautiful border art of Poseidon and a mermaid.

3. Northern and Southern Hemispheres Map - April 1943 (41"x22") A fantastic dual hemisphere map showing the northern and southern hemispheres side by side. It has a "Star projection" world map inset showing world vegetation. There are also insets for airline distances and international time zones.

4. Northern Hemisphere Map - February 1946 (24"x21.5") This colorful map shows European boundaries as of  January 1, 1938 and Russian boundaries as of  December 1, 1945. It shows principal U.S. air bases overseas and kickoff bases in the US and also airline distances.

5. Top of the World - October 1949 (29"x28") This unique map has a view of the top of the world with the North Pole region at its center. It contains descriptions of polar expeditions by Peary, Byrd, Ellsworht, Amundsen, Nobile and Schmidt.

6. Top of the World - November 1965 (25"x19") This map reflects the Cold War era with Early Warning lines in case of imminent Nuclear attack. It has an inset showing the relation of North America to Europe and the Middle East.

7. Bird Migration: Eastern Hemisphere - April 2004 (31"x20")
Side A: This side contains a huge physical map of the Eastern Hemisphere showing the migration routes of 50 plus birds. The colors were coded to show generalized flyways by bird groups - land birds, waterfowl, shore and wading birds, seabirds and birds of prey. On this map are beautiful illustrations of these birds and the map is covered with notes filled with information.

8. Bird Migration: Western Hemisphere - April 2004 (31"x20")
Side B: This side has a huge physical map of the Western Hemisphere also showing the migration routes of 50 plus birds. The routes are also color coded by bird groups - land birds, waterfowl, shore and wading birds, seabirds and birds of prey. Beautiful illustrations also show the birds of this hemisphere with lots of notes filled with information fill the page.

Political World Maps

Physical World maps

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