Ptolemaeic land area coverage overlay

In an effort to identify anomalies and get a clearer picture of the area covered by Ptolemy's map I've tried to outline the bounds of the known map at the time...

Area covered as shown on Google Maps:

Identical area as shown on Google Earth:

Topographic Map of the world.

Topographic Map of the World released by NASA and Japan

This map shows the topography of the world... this may be useful when mapping the 2D Ptolomy map on a 3D plane.

[AJ] Initial Concept/Plan

Using the Ptolomy map, I'll create a 3D landscape based on the terrain indicated in the map.  Then I'd take a tour of the landscape on a micro level.  As the camera passes a landmark, it should pop up like a pop-up book.  As you approach the equator, it turns to flames and you cant pass... maybe you can see through the flames the abominations.

I was thinking about presenting a similar map from our perspective, NZ coast goes on to end of map, as does New Guinea.

Due to the pop-up nature, I think Maya will be the best medium for creating such a map fly-thru.

[AJ] Ptolemaeic Map

I was particularly drawn by the early map created by Ptolemy within the Four World Maps collection...

Typus orbis descriptione Ptolemaei (description @ NMA)

The Ptolemaeic map as seen in the exhibit.

 

For additional information on Ptolemy himself see here... Ptolemy Biography

[AJ] Australian Journey's Exhibition @ NMA

NMA - Australian Journey's Exhibit

We visited the Australian Journey’s exhibit on Friday.

The exhibits that stood out were:

1. Maps. The simplicity and unique nature of the diagrams.  Also the story about the equator being too hot to cross and that religion said that beasts found past the equator would be an abomination.  I like the words, looks like latin.  Could the map be animated or manipulated in some way?  Could I make an Australian/Southern map with similar aspects.  NMA Four World Maps Collection

2. Jars of mud and sea creatures.  I could make my own jars… I’m thinking clear liquid with a leaf, a flower, a blade of grass… photographed and represented in a 3D perspective, using some kind of 3D Model plus projection.

3. Musical Instruments - Make a website where you can play those instruments.  Alternatively, try to research heavily the olive-oil tin that was used by the guy for his instrument.  Looking up its history instead.