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Most collectors have a theme for their collections. Often, this is a geographical area, usually the one in which they live or are otherwise familiar with, or something else, such as the earliest of world maps after the discovery of the New World.
Marcel van den Broecke has specialized in Ortelius' maps over the last 25 years. He is considered to be a specialist in this subject. Among many of Marcel's publications, his "ORTELIUS ATLAS MAPS- An illustrated Guide" is his most-known publication. It provides information on the maps included in the first regular atlas that ever appeared, Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
His numbering and classification system of Ortelius atlas maps has gained acceptance in the map trade and research.
From the eighteenth century, navigators relied on nautical charts produced by a handful of chart makers and instrument sellers who worked in the City of London. These privately produced charts, or bluebacks as they were known from the tough blue manilla paper on which they were mounted, were in circulation amongst the merchant fleets of the World until the Second World War.
Sea charts, whether printed or in manuscript form, often have a romantic appeal far stronger than that of landmaps. The romance of the seaman's intrepid voyages through uncharted waters can often be sensed when examining a chart.
Since the 16th century many atlases of maps and, more widely, works of geography, cosmography, exploration and travel have been preceded by highly decorative title pages and/or frontispieces presenting their contents in symbolic form. Their aim is to attract the potential reader, first opening the book, by a visual expression of the contents of the work that is to follow.
In framing, the materials that directly contact your art are of the greatest importance. Using non-archival (acidic) or inappropriate materials to adhere to or support artwork can result in unnecessary damage and a possible decrease in the artwork's monetary value.
Sometimes, maps become more famous than their makers. Many cartographers only become famous for their contributions to the art and science of cartography after they’ve created a masterpiece. Others become famous, others make a famous map, then disappear from history forever.
Willem Janszoon (or Jansz.) Blaeu (1571 - 1638) was the founder of a large publishing firm that became famous in the field of cartography under the name Blaeu.