In a reading, from “The Beauty of Physics: Patterns, Principles, and Perspectives” by A.R.P. Rau, called “Maps in Various Forms”, Rau talks of the different uses of maps that has evolved over the centuries.

He starts off with the human history of maps and how each one changed, first due to many voyages done by brave explorers and sailors, until recent times when technology was going above and beyond.  Of course, back then, since lands were still being discovered, the maps of back then were quite inaccurate.  People relied on these maps to travel however, and caused problems when trying to navigate the vast world.  Today, it is quite easy to find or pinpoint even the smallest of areas halfway across the earth with just a small hand held device.

Other than just the geographical aspect, Rau points out how mapping also had taken a place within mathematics and physics.  For mathematics, mapping was used for fractals.  By taking one shape and layering it over each other, a new shape is formed, and can be morphed into anything.  The Koch snowflake was a good example.  By taking one equilateral triangle and how there are infinite iterations that could be done to something so simple.  It can also be found within the natural environment as well.  As for physics, I can explain a little on it because Rau started talking about the different formulas used and I could not fully catch on.  But he had given the main idea that initial states are mapped onto final states.  Sorry I cannot explain too much on this topic, but it was a little confusing.

Altogether though, the mapping process of everything is still evolving and getting more accurate each day.  Even if the idea of using mathematics or physics for mapping seems to be more confusing than a geographical stand point, it is an interesting area to get into or to learn at least the basics about.  I should learn more about the physics aspects so that way I can understand Rau’s explanation more and give a better summary of what he was trying to say.  It would be a good way to expand my knowledge about how the world works.