1860 to 1880: The first general purpose maps

In 1860 the first map of the new State was produced privately, titled the Leopold Franz Landsberg's map. It was published at a scale of 14 miles to an inch (1:887 040) and covered the south-eastern part of the State north to Cape Palmerston.

Map title from 1864

   

The extent of mapping expanded when the entire State was covered at a scale of 41.25 miles to an inch (1:2 613 600) in 1863. It too was produced privately and was called the Ham-Buxton's map. 

The first official State map was commissioned by the government and was drawn by Thomas Ham (left). The map was published in 1871 and drawn at a scale of 24 miles to an inch (1:1 520 640). 

This was followed in 1872 by a map at 12 miles to an inch (1:760 320). It covered runs south from Broadsound and west to Longreach and Thargomindah.

The extent of Queensland's settlement expansion as depicted on a map of 1878

  

In 1877, the first School Map of Queensland was published by the Education Department at a scale of 27 miles to an inch (1:1 710 720). It became a popular map and was often used as a base for displaying themed illustrations.

1881 to 1900: Variable themes for different mapping requirements

In 1887, the printing stones for electoral maps were prepared.

A complete map of British New Guinea showing explorations and discoveries to 1892 was produced. 

A geological map of Queensland and a map of 'Brisbane City and Suburbs' were also published. 

A concise trigonometrical survey map of south-east Queensland was released in 1893. It showed the extent of major triangulation available at that time.

 

An 1893 Trigonometrical Survey map of south-east Queensland  

  

In 1896, the Survey Office published a very popular map titled 'Cyclists' Road Map of Brisbane and Surrounding Districts'. This map was popular because it added detail such as signposts and steep hills.  

A new coloured edition and very complete four-sheet school map of Queensland, British New Guinea and northern New South Wales was released in the same year. At a scale of 27 miles to an inch (1:1 710 720), it showed mountains, rivers, districts, towns, roads and railways.

A flood map of Brisbane prepared in 1893

1901 to 1920: Road maps in demand

In 1907, a twelve sheet series of a 'City of Brisbane and Suburbs' compilation was completed. This was based on more accurate trigonometrical and circuit surveys and was prepared at a scale of 8-chains to an inch (1:6 336).

Immediately prior to the First World War, the influence of the motorcar was having a dramatic mark on society. Along with a steadily increasing population and an improved road network, the demand for maps showing the formed roads began to increase.

By 1920, the Survey Office increased the strength of draftsmen to 35 and with this came a new vigour in map output. A new School Map and a Stock Route Map were published, along with many new parish maps. The Forestry Department also produced a forestry map.^{Duffy LJ 1971}

1921 to 1950: A demand for maps as a result of World War II

In the early 1930s, a published catalogue depicting government saleable maps was released. 

In 1942, a year after the United States entered the Second World War, the US Army Corps requested mapping coverage over Cairns, North Queensland. It was during this period that the major part of the mapping effort was directed towards the preparation of military maps. Output included emergency, strategic and civil defence maps of the type A.R.P. (air-raid precaution).^{Lines JD 1992}

At this time, Brisbane was remapped as an eight sheet series and state electoral districts were prepared.

Typical land auction brochure drawn in the 1950s and 60s

1951 to 1985: Production of a large range of tourist maps

Prior to 1981, most mapping by the Queensland Government mapping agency was related to land and property management, that being cadastral and topographic maps. 

The 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane provided the momentum to attract a wider market of map users that were expected from the influx of visitors desiring to see Queensland attractions.

An 'Amazing' series of tourist maps covering Queensland at various scales and coverage was subsequently produced. 

By 1984, the then Department of Mapping and Surveying had adopted the 'Sunmap' logo as a sales brand for the increasing range of thematic products.  The branding became well known locally, nationally and to a significant extent internationally as a reputable source for purchasing maps.

1986 to the Present: Intense focus on the tourism industry

The department experienced dynamic growth and innovation in themed maps during the lead up to Brisbane's World Expo '88. 

The new extensive range included regional maps, street and road maps, fishing guides, pocket maps, Japanese maps, island maps and even maps for other countries. one example was a product for the Estonian government.

The early 1990s saw the changeover from manual construction to digital production of tourist and thematic maps. 

Prior to 1990, large amounts of photographic film was required to be stored and accessed. The process of multi-colour map compilation and film generation was replaced by digital files on CDs and hard drives.

Part of the current regional tourist map range

 

 

 

The range of tourist maps, along with government and private requests for one-off special purpose maps, has continued to the present time.

Present day map themed on new land valuations.

 

Recently, in line with ecosystem natural resource management and land sustainability, special purpose maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been produced. These depict themes such as acid sulphate soils and vegetation species differentiation.

The current and future demand for variable mapping is and will be a consequence of rapid change of our lifestyle, development and needs. The sought after product of today will become out-of-date and superceded by tomorrow.

 

Further current themed mapping information:

Administrative mapping
Custom mapping
Regional and recreation mapping