The American Geographical Society was founded in 1851 by a group of professional
geographers to promote the use and collection of geographical information. The Map
Department provided geographical research and cartography services to many different
institutions, such as the United States government, the National Science Foundation,
and numerous universities and corporations. It took part in landmark projects such
as mapping the polar regions and helped lead the way for the use of aerial
photography. The department also provided map services, charts, and atlases not only
to explorers and academia, but to the general public as well.
