You might think that with Google Maps on your cell phone, you might never need a map again. I have studied the principles of cartography to make clear and precise maps. They often need to have more than just the basics of highways and cities, and specialty maps will never go out of style. My maps are often designed as an enclosure for a wedding invitation, or a guide to specific destinations. As a calligrapher, I try to bring a handmade look to my maps, though quite a bit of the work is done on the computer. One of my favorite projects is the map of the tribal areas of Native Americans before the white folks drew different lines.
This surprising map, to me at least, shows the various tribal areas of Native Americans. The borders are all variable, as they moved according to which tribes were most dominant. They are formed more by mountain ranges and waterways than by the calculations of a surveyer. Note the finger lakes in upstate New York.