Oxford unveils a new and improved "Map that Changed the World"

A friend recently clued me in to one of Oxford University's best-kept secrets, the world's first geologic map. Could you believe it was created by English geologist William Smith in 1815, and it actually illustrates the individual rock layers underlying Great Britain?

This may sound like a blaring "nerd alert" to some, but what you may not realize is that this map is famously referred to as "The Map that Changed the World", and it is especially renowned in the world of geology. One such scientist made the bold statement, "If geology were a religion, this map would be its bible," said University of Buffalo geologist Robert Jacobi.

Click here to see the Map that Changed the World

Apparently, the original map has been on display, albeit somewhat hidden behind large curtains, for years at Oxford University's Burlington House. Map visits have recently been discontinued due to refurbishment work at this location, but the Geological Society reports that the new and improved display should be reopened in May 2007. A tape-guided visit will be available then, narrated by Simon Winchester, the author of "The Map that Changed the World".

But never fear, there are 43 copies of the map still existing in the world today, one of which was on display during 2005 at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library in New York State. LiveScience.com submitted this glowing review of the new attraction in 2005, The Map that Changed the World.

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