Rare Old Infographic Map of North America, 1967: Land Use, Vegetation, Mineral Resources

The "North America Land Use, Vegetation & Land Use" map, originally published in 1967 by the Polish Army Topography Service, is an exquisite piece of historical cartography. As an infographic map, it presents a comprehensive and fascinating view of North America, focusing not only on geographical features but also on the region's soils, vegetation, mineral resources, and land use. The richness of this map lies in its ability to visually translate complex data into a format that is easily understood, making it a valuable tool for both researchers and history enthusiasts alike.

In the realm of cartography, thematic maps such as this one are a testament to the evolution of mapmaking as a science and an art. The Polish Army Topography Service, renowned for their meticulous approach to map creation, has employed a range of colors and symbols to represent different land uses and types of vegetation across North America. The inclusion of four smaller maps, each dedicated to a specific aspect - soils, vegetation, mineral resources, and land use - enhances the overall comprehensibility of the map, providing a more detailed perspective of the region's diverse ecosystems.

Historically, this map offers intriguing insights into the state of North America in the mid-20th century. It reflects the understanding of the continent's natural resources at the time, which in turn influenced economic activities, policy decisions, and urban planning. The map, therefore, serves as a snapshot of a specific period in North America's history, encapsulating the interplay between nature and human activity.

The value of this map extends beyond its historical significance. As an infographic map, it is a prime example of how data can be transformed into a visual narrative, making complex information accessible and engaging. The map's thematic style, characterized by its focus on specific topics rather than geographical accuracy, showcases the versatility of cartography as a medium for conveying information. Whether for a historian tracing the development of North America, a geographer studying land use patterns, or a cartography enthusiast appreciating the artistry of the map, this piece is a remarkable addition to any collection.

• The map provides a detailed snapshot of North America in 1967, reflecting the understanding of the continent's natural resources at the time. This historical context is valuable for understanding the economic activities, policy decisions, and urban planning of the era.

• The Polish Army Topography Service, the creator of the map, is renowned for their meticulous approach to map creation. Their expertise is evident in the precision and clarity of the data presented in the map.

• The map is a prime example of an infographic map, a type of thematic map that visually translates complex data into an easily understood format. This makes it a valuable tool for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.

• The map includes four smaller maps, each dedicated to a specific aspect: soils, vegetation, mineral resources, and land use. This multi-faceted approach provides a comprehensive view of North America's diverse ecosystems.

• The map's thematic style, characterized by its focus on specific topics rather than geographical accuracy, showcases the versatility of cartography as a medium for conveying information.

• The map is historically interesting not only for its depiction of North America in the mid-20th century, but also for its reflection of the mapmaking techniques and knowledge of the era.

• As an educational tool, the map offers insights into the interplay between nature and human activity in North America, making it relevant for studies in geography, history, and environmental science.

• The map's aesthetic appeal lies in its color coding and symbol use, which add visual interest while also enhancing the comprehensibility of the data.

• The map's focus on land use and vegetation provides a unique perspective on North America, highlighting the region's natural resources and how they have been utilized.

• The map serves as a testament to the evolution of mapmaking as a science and an art, demonstrating how cartographers have continually innovated to present data in more engaging and informative ways.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.