Cartographydrawn

Cartographydrawn is a term used to describe a visual approach to mapmaking that foregrounds hand-drawn and typographic elements alongside geographic content. Works described as cartographydrawn typically blend traditional cartography conventions—such as scale, legend, and north orientation—with a deliberately artisanal drawing style, producing maps that feel both informative and crafted.

Origin and scope: The term is field-agnostic, appearing in design discourse, independently published books, and contemporary art. It encompasses both purely hand-drawn maps and digital illustrations that intentionally mimic ink, brush, and texture of analog cartography.

Techniques and features: Common techniques include ink or digital lines with varying weight, stippling and hachures for relief, decorative compass roses and rule lines, and hand-lettered place names. Color palettes may range from muted parchment tones to watercolor washes. Label placement often prioritizes readability and aesthetic balance over machine-optimized clarity. Artists may combine geospatial data with fictional or altered geography to achieve thematic effects.

Applications and examples: Cartographydrawn appears in travel journals, exhibition catalogs, game art, fantasy maps, and educational posters. It is used to convey location, scale, and atmosphere in ways that emphasize interpretation and storytelling rather than strict navigational precision.

Reception and critique: Proponents view it as a bridge between science and craft, democratizing cartography. Critics warn that a strong emphasis on style can mislead about data accuracy if not clearly labeled, underscoring the importance of disclosure about sources and projection choices.