How Do I Get There?

There is nothing I trust more than a good, hand-drawn map. Beyond a way finder, it's a record of time and a secret path into someone else's experience of place. The Hand Drawn Map Association is an ongoing archive of user submitted maps and other interesting diagrams created by hand. Here are some beautiful specimens from their collection:

The map, in white paint marker, documents a stolen bike that was the result of not having a proper bike lock. Lesson learned.

From a series called Maps for Girls which "Lola" hopes to make into a zine someday.

"I am a designer and in our studio all arguments are settled by either google or a hand-drawn diagram. Naturally when my colleague needed to walk to the UK passport office I was on hand to help with an accurate and detailed hand-drawn map." -Steve

Enrique created this map while visiting the city of Essaouira. He was compelled to create the drawing after three days of consistently getting lost in the city. After drawing the map, he realized how easy the city was to navigate - two main streets with four separate neighborhoods and the sea always available as a directional reference.

"I made this map so my friends know where to visit when they come see me in NE Portland. All of the above are my favorite local businesses in the area." -Christopher

"This is a map showing a part of Bangalore in India. I did it behind a napkin for a friend who was on a bike." -Rashmi

This map was drawn on a napkin in a bar in Trondheim, Norway by the Canadian Artist Peter Flemming, when explaining about Canada. Lars kept the map in his bag for weeks and later found it and scanned it.