In addition, maps facilitate measurement by providing a scale of valuation. To be useful for accurate measurement, a map must impose a 'pertinent taxonomy', and a 'precise scale of valuation'. Maps, similar to vision tools, illustrate people's perception of their environment. Although the current maps of the world may seem familiar, over time they have changed dramatically. The appended diagrams consist of maps of the world, which were drawn within a time frame of just a few centuries.
Recent maps provide a more realistic view to the world.
Mediterranean Sea covers the left, Red Sea and Mesopotamia are in the right side of this map. Following the dominant belief of that time, the World is depicted flat and the Holy land located at its center. This map is primarily a representation of some territories in the Old World. There is no scale in this map, and naturally no measurement is possible to be based on it. Map of the world drawn in 1520.