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Did you know that map makers, before the advent of GPS and Google Maps, indulged in creating fictitious entries of towns in their maps to safeguard from copyright infringement or just for fun?
These fictional places were called 'Paper Towns'.
Short thread
These fictional places were called 'Paper Towns'.
Short thread
In the early days (20th century), maps were made on papers. Some map makers used to cut corners by sneakily copying maps made by others (as map making was expensive and time consuming). It was difficult for original map maker to establish that the other person had plagiarized.
So a few of the map makers intentionally placed fictitious towns or settlements in their maps. In the event of someone copying their maps, the original map maker could claim copyright infringement as the evidence of plagiarism was easy to prove now.
Some of the well-known paper towns include:
1. Agloe, New York
2. Beatosu, Ohio
3. Goblu, Ohio
4. Argleton, England
Although paper towns were meant to be fictional, Agloe became a real town after Agloe General Store was set up in the same area.
1. Agloe, New York
2. Beatosu, Ohio
3. Goblu, Ohio
4. Argleton, England
Although paper towns were meant to be fictional, Agloe became a real town after Agloe General Store was set up in the same area.
Beatosu and Goblu in Ohio were placed in the official map of Michigan as hat tips to the university slogans - University of Michigan ("Go Blue") and its archrival Ohio State University ("Beat OSU").
Argleton was supposed to have been placed by Google Maps, but later removed.
Argleton was supposed to have been placed by Google Maps, but later removed.
Although the practice is not so common these days, it offers a fascinating insight into the map making process.
Having said that, fictitious entries were also made in dictionaries & encyclopedias. Again, just as a hoax, or to identify copy cats. Fascinating, isn't it?
The End.
Having said that, fictitious entries were also made in dictionaries & encyclopedias. Again, just as a hoax, or to identify copy cats. Fascinating, isn't it?
The End.
