-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Upside down maps]] Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 18:17:28 EST From: [log in to unmask] ------------------ I thought Paige Andrew's suggestion noting 'orientation' was a logical descriptor for maps that are not North-up. Many historical maps are 'direction of travel' oriented, with or without a compass rose to clarify. I'd like to see more cartographers design modern maps that allow the reader to understand a region in a different light by drawing maps in non-north-up direction. I've done a few book maps that way of Hudson Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. Invariably they come under attack by editors because they are different, but if it illustrates a concept well, I feel it is justified. I have done a few modern maps in a non-north-up design, usually to orient with a geographical feature like a peak, valley or river. I agree the 'upside-down' term implies a mistake, or oddity, when really we are a bit trapped by a convention that should be challenged when possible. Mike Hermann www.purplelizard.com