Map Making Before Computers: How'd They Do It?

Ever wonder how maps were made in the decades before vector-based graphics software like Adobe Illustrator were invented? The Atlantic has posted a film from the 1940's that documents the process of "Modern Map Making."

1 minute read

June 22, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"Caught Mapping, produced by Chevrolet in 1940, explores how roadmaps were made at the time. Courtesy of the Prelinger Archive, the educational film outlines the whole process, from the field men who do the research to the cartographers who update the maps, featuring strategically placed Chevrolet cars all along the way," writes Kasia Cieplak-Mayr von Baldegg.

FULL STORY: A Vintage Look at 'Modern Map Making' in the 1940s

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in The Atlantic

Technology Transportation United States Mapping Prelinger Archive

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.