World Air Routes Map in Many Different Projections by Bartholomew, 1957

Step into the golden age of aviation with "World Air Routes," a captivating 1957 thematic map by the distinguished cartographer John Bartholomew. Published by the esteemed John Bartholomew & Son Ltd for The Times Atlas of the World, this map is a testament to the era’s spirit of innovation and global connectivity. The original title alone conjures the excitement of mid-century air travel, when jet engines and pressurized cabins were transforming the possibilities of human movement across continents and oceans.

Bartholomew’s map is a visual symphony of red lines crisscrossing the globe, each representing the major air routes that defined international travel in the postwar years. The map’s central "Nordic" projection ingeniously emphasizes the Northern Hemisphere, drawing the eye to the polar routes that became increasingly strategic and efficient as aviation technology advanced. The dense web of connections between cities such as New York, London, Moscow, and Tokyo reflects the rapid expansion of commercial air travel, as well as the geopolitical significance of these corridors during the Cold War.

The artistry of this map lies not only in its main projection but also in its masterful use of inset maps, each employing a specialized cartographic approach. The North Polar Basin inset, rendered in a gnomonic projection, reveals the shortest great-circle routes over the Arctic—a revelation for airlines seeking to minimize travel time between major world capitals. Meanwhile, the North Pacific Ocean and Antipodes insets illuminate the vast transoceanic journeys linking North America, Asia, Australia, and the southern hemisphere, underscoring the truly global reach of mid-century aviation.

Every detail on "World Air Routes" is a nod to the meticulous craftsmanship for which Bartholomew was renowned. Major cities are elegantly labelled, oceans are clearly demarcated, and the entire composition is suffused with the clarity and precision that made Bartholomew’s atlases prized possessions for scholars, explorers, and travelers alike. The absence of physical relief or non-aviation routes keeps the focus squarely on the theme of flight, allowing the viewer to trace the paths of history’s great airliners as they bridged continents and cultures.

Historically, this map captures a world on the cusp of transformation. The post-World War II period was marked by an unprecedented surge in international mobility, driven by technological breakthroughs and a new era of global cooperation and competition. "World Air Routes" stands as both a document of its time and a work of art—an invitation to imagine the excitement, ambition, and optimism that defined the dawn of the jet age. For collectors and enthusiasts, it offers not only a window into the past but also a celebration of the enduring human quest to connect the world.

Countries and regions on this map

• All continents are depicted: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia (Oceania), and Antarctica (partially visible).
• Countries shown (labelled or clearly visible on the map):
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Soviet Union (USSR, as of 1957)
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Other countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas are visible, but not all are individually labelled.
• Regions:
• North Polar Basin
• North Pacific Ocean
• The Antipodes (southern hemisphere, including Australia, New Zealand, southern South America, southern Africa)
• Major bodies of water: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Main map (Nordic projection) with red lines indicating major world air routes.
• Inset map: North Polar Basin (Gnomonic Projection), showing great-circle routes over the Arctic.
• Inset map: North Pacific Ocean (Nordic Projection), detailing air routes across the Pacific.
• Inset map: The Antipodes (Zenithal Projection), focusing on southern hemisphere air connections.
• Major cities labelled as key nodes in the air route network (e.g., New York, London, Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, San Francisco, Honolulu).
• Major oceans labelled: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, Arctic Ocean.
• Air routes crossing the Arctic Circle, visually emphasizing polar connections.
• Dense network of intercontinental and transoceanic routes.

Historical and design context

• Created in December 1957, capturing the rapid expansion of global air travel in the post-World War II period.
• Mapmaker: John Bartholomew & Son Ltd, renowned for high-quality atlases and thematic maps.
• Published in The Times Atlas of the World.
• Thematic world map focusing exclusively on global air routes.
• Employs multiple projections: "Nordic" for the main map, gnomonic for the North Polar Basin, and zenithal for the Antipodes.
• Emphasizes polar and transoceanic routes, reflecting technological advancements and strategic priorities of the 1950s.
• Visualizes the integration and efficiency of international air travel networks during the mid-20th century.
• Notable for its clarity, precision, and focus on aviation routes rather than physical geography.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.