Plotting the Oceans: Stories of Powerful Maps and Their Makers

by Sarah Hamylton

Five stories that demonstrate the history and power of maps – and the impact they have on our world
Charles Darwin mapped the world’s coral reefs to support a theory about how they formed, and in doing so developed insights that shaped his eventual theory of evolution. The trailblazing Marie Tharp, barred from ocean expeditions in the 1950s, nevertheless created the first detailed map of the ocean floor, providing key evidence for the then radical idea of continental drift. Maps have triggered territorial claims, saved giant tortoises and brought home the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef in the face of climate change.
Charting the course through these stories of discovery and disruption is Sarah Hamylton, herself an accomplished mapmaker who has travelled the globe and followed in the footsteps of cartographic giants. She explains what lies behind – and beyond – the maps we find in history books, scientific papers and contemporary news stories.
Riveting, illuminating and beautifully written, Plotting the Oceans answers critical questions about what the evolving nature of maps means for understanding our world, how it changes and how we’re changing it.
‘By following geographer Sarah Hamylton on this enchanting voyage through time – via maps of atolls, reefs and spreading sea floors – a reader sees where longitude and latitude yield to insight and attitude.’ – Dava Sobel, author of Longitude

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2026

Reviews

[Sammy Mylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

maps are moral artefacts made by human beings meaning they can enact violence or inspire care !! interesting historical case studies and obviously well researched. i found some of the writing a little bit dense at times but it was still v accessible

[Linda Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing book with a conversational style, the author uses historical examples to demonstrate how marine, atoll and coastal maps have impacted communities, conservation and our future. Maps aren’t just about describing what’s out there but with technology, maps become even more powerful as analytical tools using all sorts of data. Great questions asked in this book - who makes the maps and for what purpose?

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about this book is the passion and admiration Dr. Hamytlon conveys through her writing! The stories and well crafted and I finished each chapter with an admiration for each of the case studies
I really love the author's own stories of fieldwork and map making! Bitten by a lemon shark! How cool!

[Kavin Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read (would have loved more chapters!). Occasionally does get a bit technical but overall enjoyed the writing style. Especially the emphasis on the importance of going to the location and working before mapping and policy making was placed well.