Professor Anne Pollock created Mapping iThemba, an interactive map for a research project on health issues based at iThemba Pharmaceuticals, a start-up company based on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Pollock wrote the text while the map was illustrated by J. Russell Huffman. The lack of a traditional mapping background of the map's creators makes for a unique visual presentation. It does not look like a typical GIS or Google-based map though there are Google-y teardrop-shaped icons to click for more information.
The non-strict locational accuracy allows the highlights to be shown more clearly and frees up a more artistic interpretation. The map shows relevant details, leaving out many other details of the Pretoria-Johannesburg area, most notably the sprawl.
Except where needed-surrounding the medial campus.
There are many other interesting details and side stories such as the historic dynamite factory, now a museum.
Those of us who make maps professionally often complain about maps made by non-cartographers but in the hands of the right people the results can be pretty nice.
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