Cartography can be defined in the simplest of terms, as the science and art of making maps.
Although Star Trek is indeed a science fiction television show, many maps, charts, and books have been created (some in amazing detail) that reveal the location of every major Star Trek world and star system.
We know that maps are great reference tools for us in our everyday lives. Aside from their functional purposes, there is much to be respected about the aesthetics of cartography as well.
Whether it is elaborate maps of a sci-fi universe, ancient cave drawings, maps of Icelandic sea monsters from the 16th century, or the now widely-used approach of GIS technology, cartography has been an inherent part of human history for thousands of years!
