Doing ‘The Knowledge’ in 1785

In order to get a Hackney License, London cab drivers must do ‘The Knowledge’. This means poring over maps to learn by heart 320 runs (routes from A to B) and 30,000 points (places of interest).

Historic map of London Westminster from 1745 

A recently discovered map seems to indicate that coachmen were doing much the same in 1785. The rare linen map shows routes through the labyrinthine streets of Georgian London, lists places of interest and even details fares.

The 226 year old map is due to be sold at auction next month.

Further details and images of the map can be found at: www.dailymail.co.uk

Can information be beautiful? The rise of infographics

Increasingly we are living in a world  where often overwhelmingly large amounts of data are becoming available. ‘Infographics’ specialises in simplifying complexity into an easy to understand and attractive format.
The leading light of the infographics movement in the UK is David McCandless. His recently published book, ‘Information is beautiful’, contains dozens of vivid, modern and  extremely smart info-maps, graphs and charts. The subjects dealt with are diverse, from alternative health to the Billion Pound-O-Gram, that displays the vast amounts spent on everything from the war in Iraq to the drug trade using 2008/09 figures from the Treasury.

Mapping all manner of things in this way allows completely fresh way of understanding. Have a look at these stunning examples below and see for yourself.

See more of David McCandless’ infographics on his website http://www.informationisbeautiful.net
Buy David McCandless’ book ‘Information is Beautiful’ on amazon.co.uk
Need to visualise location based data? FIND's consultancy offers map design, digitising and analysis

Magnificent Maps at the British Library

We want to focus your attention on something that is not only close to our hearts, but a truly fascinating and informative experience (even for the layman). The British Library's 'Magnificent Maps' exhibition,
looks at how maps have been used throughout history as propaganda, art forms and expressions of
power.

Above, Psalter World Map : Westminster, c.1265, Manuscript on vellum

Fancy your own wonderful wall map using the most up-to-date and detailed Ordnance Survey
mapping? FIND can provide large customised wall maps that look impressive when displayed in any
office.

British Library's 'Magnificent Maps' exhibition website