Cartology

Cartology is the art and science of mapmaking known to the Samraaji aliens. Going far beyond the paper maps we are familiar with in the real world, cartology includes using cloth, clay, metal, glass, sand, and even water to record information. Maps scribed on these other materials can record vastly more and different information than a paper map can...if the cartologer has the skill to unlock the secrets of each material.

Access & Availability

Paper maps are rare, but accessible by everyone. They show the same sorts of things we are used to seeing on a map

Cloth maps show the weather and environmental conditions for a specific time or range of time. Activated by wind.

Clay maps show terrain and natural environment. Activated by water.

Metal maps show artificial construction such as roads, buildings, bridges, etc. Activated by fire.

Glass maps show people and living creatures. Activated by earth.

Sand maps show the passage of time. 

Water maps can show all of the above.