John B. Bartholomew

John B. Bartholomew was an American geographer, cartographer, and explorer. He was born in 1884 in New York City and grew up in a family of geographers and cartographers. He attended Columbia University and graduated with a degree in geography in 1906.

Early Career

After graduating, Bartholomew began working as a cartographer for the National Geographic Society. He was responsible for creating maps for the magazine and other publications. He also worked on the first edition of the National Geographic Atlas of the World. During this time, he developed a passion for exploration and began to travel extensively. He visited many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and wrote extensively about his travels.

Exploration and Cartography

In 1912, Bartholomew was hired by the Royal Geographical Society to lead an expedition to the Arctic. He and his team explored the region for two years, mapping the area and collecting scientific data. He also wrote a book about his experiences, titled “The Arctic: Its People, Land, and Wildlife”.

In the 1920s, Bartholomew began to focus more on cartography. He developed a new method of mapmaking that used aerial photography and other modern techniques. He also developed a system of symbols and colors to represent different features on a map. This system is still used today.

Legacy

John B. Bartholomew is remembered as one of the most influential geographers and cartographers of the 20th century. His work revolutionized the field of cartography and his maps are still used today. He was also an explorer and wrote extensively about his travels. His book, “The Arctic: Its People, Land, and Wildlife”, is still considered a classic in the field of exploration.

John B. Bartholomew died in 1962 at the age of 78. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of cartography and exploration. His legacy lives on in the maps and books he created, and in the lives of those he inspired.