Maps have been invaluable throughout Canada's history. They promised fame and fortune to early merchant-adventurers and guided army commanders. They legitimized a politician's dominion and allowed businessmen to stake new claims. And they helped ordinary citizens build communities.

Terra Nostra celebrates the mapping of Canada, in part by telling the stories of the exceptional individuals who helped to create the maps. Drawn from the rich cartographic holdings of Library and Archives Canada, it spans four centuries - from the portolan charts of the early explorers to recent aerial images of east coast ice floes. Canada's maps provide evidence of our nation's technical accomplishments and offer insight into the development of our geographical knowledge.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the official Atlas of Canada; Terra Nostra provides a beautifully illustrated and timely celebration of the country's cartographic history.