More often ‘guesstimates’ than accurate depictions, the very first maps were inspired charts, sketching galleons on choppy seas and warnings (Here be Dragons) of unknown vasty deeps, while thanks to satellite technology, aerial photography and computers, maps of the 21st century have made their own incredible journey from estimation to scientific accuracy.

Reading up on some untravelled exotic land, spare a thought for those first intrepid mariners, navigating the contours of mysterious coasts, and the maps they drew.

Perhaps it’s the same adventurous spirit that quickens your pulse and catches your breath as you open up a map and seek out your intended destination – whether actual or ‘virtual’, whether you’ll sail or fly, travel over land or in your imagination. We all want the excitement, the ‘rush’ of discovery, just as Christopher Columbus did.

Now with maps you can explore, besides the physical contours of any region, its languages, races, religions, climate, history or economy. You can click on a map to plan a trip: book a flight, a cruise, a romantic getaway, or dinner at eight. Or to find a friend: focus the map and pinpoint the exact location of one street number in a particular city. Zoom in on that street number and see just where it is in relation to the rest of the city!

You can even get driving directions to that location. Sitting in the driver’s seat or beside the fire, you can put yourself on the maps!