Topographic maps

Topographic maps, especially of scale 1:25.000, provide a lot of detailed information. Not only about the natural terrain but also about the historical, cultural and economical influences humans have on the  landscape. So, topographic maps are very useful schematic visualizations of the reality. With a topographic map in your hand, you  can navigate trough en learn about any place on earth and more, without visiting it at all. For example, you could explore the Marsian landscape by studying it’s topographic maps. No joke, these maps do exist.

With a little imagination you can alter these maps by making little changes. For example by drawing your dream house on your favorite spot. Or removing some ugly buildings from the landscape. You can create your own – almost real – reality just for fun, or to show your friends how your ideal world looks like. You can find answers to questions like ‘what if that river wasn’t there’ or ‘what happens when that coastline would be different’. It is just a small step to set reality to your own hand. And with some experience you can change the world! It is fun.

One step further in adjusting reality is creating your own reality. Fictional topographic maps are schematic visualizations of your dreams. Let other people explore your worlds. Experiment with landscapes to discover your finest dreams of darkest fantasy. You can keep it to yourself, or share it with other people. Let other people read your maps and let them be an inspiration to you. For an experienced map-reader a fictional topographic map reads like good book. Just try it.