9 Inspiring Books of Map Illustration
recommended by Nate Padavick
1) Maps
Written and illustrated by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
When Maps was released in 2013, Nate literally fell off his chair. It is a true labor of love and remains one of Nate’s all-time-favorite illustrated atlases.
It’s a visual feast for readers of all ages, with lavishly drawn illustrations from the incomparable Mizielinskis. It features not only borders, cities, rivers, and peaks, but also places of historical and cultural interest, eminent personalities, iconic animals and plants, cultural events, and many more fascinating facts associated with every region of our planet.
See more on Amazon
2) By the Sea: Life Along the Coast
Written by Judith Homoki and illustrated by Martin Haake
Not only is this book visually impressive, but it contains so many interesting facts. This richly illustrated work takes readers on a journey through time and across continents, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the world's seashores. The book features detailed double-page spreads that explore various aspects of coastal habitats, including tidal movements, life in coastal settlements, native flora and fauna, the whaling industry, tourism, and the impacts of climate change. Interspersed throughout are meticulously crafted maps of the world's largest oceans, highlighting historic events, figures, and scientific facts.
See more on Amazon
3) A Map of the World: The World According to Illustrators and Storytellers
A Map of the World is a compelling collection of work by a new generation of original and sought-after designers, illustrators, and mapmakers. While Nate’s map practice is—sadly—not represented in this particular compendium, he still counts it among his most recommended publications. The maps within this book showcase specific regions, characterize local scenes, generate moods, and tell stories beyond sheer navigation. From accurate and surprisingly detailed representations to personal, naïve, and modernistic interpretations, the featured projects range from maps and atlases inspired by classic forms to cartographic experiments and editorial illustrations.
See more on Amazon
4) GET LOST: Explore the World Through Map Illustrations
Nate was thrilled to be included in this compendium of map illustrations by Victionary Books. His maps are included amongst such other amazing illustrators like Martin Haake, Antoine Corbineau, Nat Carroll, Laura Sásdi, Brian Michael Gossett, Victoria Fernández, Andrea Nguyen, Whooli Chen, and Vesa Sammalisto. Nate especially loves that this book has four different covers, which fold out to become a full-size poster. They are equally awesome and it’s a fun surprise to see which one you receive, if you order this book online.
See more on Amazon
5) The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!
Written by Gabrielle Balkan and illustrated by Sol Linero
One could literally get lost in this amazing book of maps illustrated by the awesome Sol Linero. Each illustration is every bit an infographic as an illustrated map. This book includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents and more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped shape America.
Each state’s map also contains information about which states it neighbors , its bodies of water and borders as well as where it is situated in the country. Many state parks, battlefields, national forests, and reservations are also included. So much!
See more on Amazon
6) Maaaps: 19 Hand-Drawn Maps of Fun-Filled, World-Class Cities
This one is great for a future world traveler! The world looks amazing through the eyes of Japanese illustrator Aunyarat Watanabe. Aunyarat has illustrated maps of her 18 favorite cities on Earth and 1 map that is "out of this world!" From the peaceful islands of Hawaii to the busy sidewalks of New York to the pyramids of Egypt to the creatures of Madagascar and beyond, these maps are full of fun, food, adventure and inspiration.
See more on Amazon
7) The Art of Illustrated Maps
by John RomanReady for a deep dive? The Art of Illustrated Maps is the first book to fully explore the world of conceptual, "imaginative" mapping. Author John Roman refers to illustrated maps as "the creative nonfiction of cartography," and his book reveals how and why the human mind instinctively recognizes and accepts the artistic license evoked by this unique art form. Drawing from many references, this book traces the 2000-year history of this very specialized branch of illustration that historians claim to be "the oldest variety of primitive art."
See more on Amazon
8) Where We Walk: 100 Illustrated Maps of Wonderful Walks from Around the World
Edited by Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell
This is a collection of maps created by 100 artists from around the world. It began in 2021 by Nate and his sister Salli Swindell as a call for content. Nate and Salli challenged artists around the world to illustrate a map of their favorite walkabout. From routes and rambles to treks and trails to saunters and strolls, this book captures the wonders of their wanders!
While nearly 200 maps were submitted, this book could only accomodate 100 of them. You can see them all on the website THEY DRAW.
Where do you walk? What’s your favorite route? Next time you hit the trail, pay extra attention to the sights you see along the way—a historic building, a beautiful tree, flora, fauna, a friend’s house, a local coffeeshop, your favorite view. Maybe even take your sketchbook with you! Need help drawing a map? Read Nate’s article “How to Make an Illustrated Map in 9 Steps.”
See more on Amazon
9) They Draw and Travel: 100 Illustrated Maps of American Places
Edited by Nate Padavick and Salli SwindellIn 2011, Nate and his sister Salli Swindell founded the website THEY DRAW. Today it is the largest collection of online illustrated maps created by artists, illustrators and doodlers from around the world. This book is a selection of 100 illustrations of places in the United States envisioned by the artists who contribute to the vast and diverse creative community on THEY DRAW. Including personal, practical and idiosyncratic perspectives on cities and towns—large and small—around the United States, the illustrated maps in this collection guide readers to the overlooked, forgotten and even underappreciated parts of American places, while celebrating the country's iconic cities.
For example, do you know where to go for a really great urban hike in Brooklyn? Do you know there are over 36 places to eat cashew chicken in the town of Springfield, Missouri? Or, how about all the fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles? A fantastic bike route in Vermont? Hotspots in Anchorage, Alaska?
See more on Amazon
About Nate Padavick
Nate Padavick is an illustrator, visual storyteller, and designer who specializes in map illustration. has illustrated well over 200 maps for a variety of clients from newspapers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, publishers such as Chronicle Books and Scholastics, and educational institutions such as Brigham Young University and Tufts University.Do you have a book of maps to recommend to Nate? He would love to hear from you!
SEND NATE AN EMAIL