Panoramic City Maps

Most of the original maps are very old and have sustained damage over the years. We have enhanced and repaired many of these images, but some people prefer the aged look from the original. We can produce out prints either way or in a combination of the two, so if you want something different than the image shown, please call or email us. Go to Images to look at at different renditions of the same image and further explanation.

Panoramic city maps, popular at the turn of the century, depicted U.S. towns from the perspective that came to be known as bird's-eye maps. These non-photographic old maps, depicted from oblique angles, showed street patterns, buildings and the predominant surrounding landscape in perspective.

Going to great lengths to make these maps, artists would often climb surrounding hills or trees, sometimes even building platforms from which to achieve the "bird's eye" perspective. To bolster sales of these old panoramic city maps, the artists would often choke town harbors full of ships, include proposed building developments and depict a vivacious, bustling industry.

Historically interesting and beautifully drawn, it is no wonder these old panoramic city maps are making a popular comeback. Bring the spirit of your town's history back to life with these stunning old bird's-eye maps.

Below is portion of a New York City map which is typical of the detail shown on these panoramics.