The term infographic is relatively new, but the art of visualising data and information in a simple and uncomplicated way, is not. I simply love early examples of data visualisation. The beautiful simplicity paired with intricate illustrations is completely inspirational. So it was with great delight that I stumbled across an article on Brain Pickings entitled - A Visual History of Mapping the Universe

The Astronomical Phenomena. (Tien Yuan Fa Wei). Compiled by Bao Yunlong in the 13th century. Ming Dynasty edition, 1457-1463.

Each of these graphics, taken from a new online exhibition by the Library of Congress, takes a bash at visualising the universe. The beauty here is the sheer diversity of examples, regions and time periods from which they come from.

Cosmographia (1524) by German mathematician Petrus Apianus (1492-1552) provides a layman’s introduction to subjects such as astronomy, geography, cartography, surveying, navigation, and mathematical instruments

Chonhado (World Map) from Chonha Chido (Map of the World).Hand-copied manuscript map. Korea: mid-eighteenth century.

View more examples here

For anyone interested in creating infographics or visualisations, these illustrations should be showcased as truly brilliant examples of the genre, and should be a source of inspiration to all.

A staggering collection for any information or map lover!

(Story and images via Brain Pickings)