Maps capture our attention by blending art, science, history, and exploration into one visual picture that informs and inspires, creating an endlessly captivating and distinct part of human culture and knowledge.

Maps are important because they guide us through the world and offer crucial geographical insights. They act like history books, tracking how places and societies have changed over time, and also work as tools for scientists to study patterns and natural occurrences. Maps help during emergencies, city planning, and protecting the environment. They also support learning, preserving cultures, and connecting people worldwide, even if they speak different languages or come from different places.

Map symbols are crucial as they stand in for real-world objects in a simplified way, making maps meaningful. These symbols can take the form of shapes or colors. For example, a small brown circle might mean a recreational spot, red could indicate services, and green might signal a rest area. Colors, too, play a role in representing larger features: green could mean forests and blue could represent water on a map. To ensure proper map reading, a Map Legend acts as a dictionary, explaining the symbols used on the map and their meanings.

The earliest recorded map is the 'Imago Mundi', also known as the Babylonian Map of the World. Considered the world's oldest surviving map, it currently graces the British Museum in London. Dating back to 700-500 BC and discovered in Iraq's Sippar, this carved relic centers on Babylon, surrounded by areas like Assyria and Elam, all encircled by a "Salt Sea." Eight islands or regions lie beyond this border, etched into the tablet. The map is accompanied by cuneiform text describing Babylonian mythology linked to these regions depicted on the stone.

In today's Digital Age, maps are readily accessible—a simple tap on your smartphone and you're on your way to the nearest Starbucks for a quick coffee break. Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper are making things easier, says researcher Mike Duggan from Royal Holloway. He's found that these new technologies are simplifying the complex systems we navigate every day, especially in cities.

Having a map in your pocket is a new thing. In the past, people were okay just knowing their local area. As maps got cheaper, they helped make sense of growing cities. Small maps for pockets were a big change.

Now that we've explored why maps are interesting and important, keep scrolling to gain further insights from these captivating maps. And if you're eager for more, be sure to explore our previous editions featuring intriguing maps—found here, here, here, here, and here.