The Geography Blog

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… Read More »Abraham Ortelius

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… Read More »John Snow

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… Read More »Ptolemy

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… Read More »Gerardus Mercator

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… Read More »Heinrich Scherer

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… Read More »G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co.

​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… Read More »​Samuel Thornton