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First Maps
According to Emporia State University, the oldest known maps were created around 2300 B.C. in Babylonia and preserved on clay tablets. Over time, maps changed because of the evolving theories concerning the Earth's size and shape. Greek philosophers during the time of Aristotle in 350 B.C. accepted the concept of a spherical planet Earth. Maps around this time began to reflect this theory.
First Innovations
Greek and Roman cartography continued to progress. In 150 A.D., the Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy created his map of the world, depicting the Earth using longitudinal and latitudinal lines for the first time. Many geographers and philosophers referenced his book "Guide to Geography" until the Renaissance period. During Medieval times, Christianity influenced the creation of maps. During the ninth century, "T-O" maps were created. The maps were circular, with the oceans serving as the edge. Two rivers and the Mediterranean Sea separated the three known continents -- Asia, Africa and Europe -- forming the "T" shape.
Renaissance Period
According to 1-World Globes, German cartographer Martin Behaim made the oldest three-dimensional globe in 1492 that still exists. During the Renaissance, the invention of printing allowed maps to become widely available as early as the 15th century. The German cartographer Sebastian Munster developed the popular map "Geographia" in 1540. The Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th century allowed further innovations to maps. Navigation charts were created and featured coast lines, islands, rivers and other land masses.
Later Innovations
With the application of scientific methods, maps became more accurate past the 17th century. World War I provided the aerial photography needed to observe lesser known parts of the world. The creation of computers allowed maps to become even more accurate. The Geographic Information System emerged during the 1970s. With the technology, geographic data was gathered, analyzed and recreated into digital maps.