Well, this one is one that I have really looked forward to because I have considered myself very very lucky to have been part of the G.I.S. community and had the ability to make maps with computers rather than pencil's and papers. I have alot of respect for those that have been trained to make maps by hand, but I know this: I would not be one of those people if G.I.S did not exist.
I'll be the first to tell you that yes, i can draw, but I can hardly ever keep my scale consistent within what I draw. I do realize that vintage maps were created with the use of mathematics, special tools and techniques, but I don't believe that I would have been one to whom that appealed much. Take the map to the right for instance. To me, this map looks as though it may cover an area of less than 50 square miles. And although there may be minor discrepancies within the map, it took a good deal of knowledge of the area in order to create it. The intimate details of location such as the houses in relation to the rivers, streams, forest and mountains and even the smallest detail of the location of the mountains and their orientation depicted by the direction of the shadowing. These are art features that I apparently lack although I can recognize them. 
Now the next example I have is one that I know for a fact I could never have a complete and thorough knowledge of and that is the entire continent of North America. These are the things that I have so much respect for cartographers of the past for because I can never seem to figure out how they are able to make these caliber of maps with such accurate detail . But they did and often times, these kinds of maps were used for navigation; both on land and sea. So, the one thing that I must say is: thank goodness for computers!
Now the next example I have is one that I know for a fact I could never have a complete and thorough knowledge of and that is the entire continent of North America. These are the things that I have so much respect for cartographers of the past for because I can never seem to figure out how they are able to make these caliber of maps with such accurate detail . But they did and often times, these kinds of maps were used for navigation; both on land and sea. So, the one thing that I must say is: thank goodness for computers!With the use of computers, these kinds of maps are just a click of a button away if you want to simply just download a completed one. If you are trying to make them, the process is almost as simple and all you have to do is know where to get the data and what data you actually need to complete your map. To some "old timers" just looking at a computer is enough to make them sweating, but to the younger generations, this is their way of life. Information is no longer page after grueling page in a book, but rather the right word entered in an Internet search engine away. The same is true for making maps. It is not uncommon for maps to be made of places that the map maker has never been. And the reason for this is the simplicity
y of being able to access information on the Internet, download it and use it in standard map making software. Once again, take the image to the right here. It covers the same portion of the United States that the map above it does, but the scale is perfect throughout the entirety of the map and was probably created in a very short amount of time. This type of map does not require a cartographic expert to assemble, but rather, can be put together by a G.I.S beginner in an entry level class. My point being this: I know the limits of my drawing capabilities, and without the use of computers, there is no way, I would be able to partake in cartography. So, while in my opinion, it takes much more skill to make the maps of the past, I am very glad that I am able to create new maps here and in the future.
y of being able to access information on the Internet, download it and use it in standard map making software. Once again, take the image to the right here. It covers the same portion of the United States that the map above it does, but the scale is perfect throughout the entirety of the map and was probably created in a very short amount of time. This type of map does not require a cartographic expert to assemble, but rather, can be put together by a G.I.S beginner in an entry level class. My point being this: I know the limits of my drawing capabilities, and without the use of computers, there is no way, I would be able to partake in cartography. So, while in my opinion, it takes much more skill to make the maps of the past, I am very glad that I am able to create new maps here and in the future.
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