80 Fascinating Maps To Expand Your Horizons (New Pics)

To learn more about maps from an expert, we got in touch with Ivos Gajdorus from Mapotic. Mapotic is a startup driving geospatial innovation since 2018. Originally launched as an interactive map builder for creators and communities, it has evolved into a platform delivering custom B2B mapping solutions. 

By fusing satellite, IoT, location, and metadata from various sources, Mapotic creates powerful, user-friendly web and mobile applications. And today, it serves sectors including wildlife tracking, travel and tourism, logistics, and civic projects.

First, we wanted to hear why Ivos believes maps are so important. “The question of ‘where’ is deeply embedded in most human activities,” he shared. “Maps are a powerful form of visual interpretation that help us make sense of locations — especially those we are not familiar with. They turn complex spatial information into something understandable and usable.”

We also asked the expert if he happens to have a favorite map. “One of the most impactful maps powered by the Mapotic platform is the Ocearch Shark Tracker, which helps the global community better understand changes in our oceans by tracking the movement and behavior of sharks. They reveal patterns and shifts we would otherwise miss.”

If you’re interested in making your own maps, Ivos shared some advice. “Before creating a map, think carefully about the information structure,” he shared. “Maps are just one way to interpret data, and thoughtful categorization and classification are key for building complex maps that are easy to navigate and understand.”

Finally, Ivos shared a fun fact about ancient maps. “According to many sources, the oldest known map dates back around 25,000 years. It was carved into a mammoth tusk and discovered in Pavlov, Czech Republic — proof that even prehistoric people didn’t like getting lost.” 

You can learn even more about the topic right here!

We were also lucky enough to get in touch with Minas, the creator of MapChart, to hear his thoughts on this topic. "Maps help us make sense of the world. They turn complex data into something visual and understandable," he explained. "Whether it’s for education, planning, or just curiosity, maps help people connect with information in a more meaningful way."

We were also curious about Minas' favorite map. "One map that always stands out to me is the 'World divided into 4 regions with the same population'. It’s such a simple idea, but incredibly eye-opening. It challenges your assumptions about population distribution and gives a powerful visual of how unevenly people are spread across the planet."

And if you're interested in trying your hand at map making, Minas recommends starting simple and focusing on clarity. "You don’t need to be a designer or a GIS expert to make a compelling map," he shared. "Tools like MapChart let you get started right away, even with no experience. The most important thing is to have a clear purpose or story you want your map to tell."

Finally, the expert added that he's always impressed by the creativity people show when making maps. "From fictional worlds to data-driven insights, the possibilities are endless."

We hope you’re enjoying this list of fascinating maps, pandas! Keep upvoting all of your favorites, and let us know in the comments down below what the most interesting map you’ve ever seen was. Then, if you’d like to check out even more maps that will teach you something new about our world, we’ve got the perfect Bored Panda list for you to read next right here!