The Alps whose snows are spread High between the clouds and sun.

—Shelley.

The most effective method of advertising scenic attractions is by pictorial means, which speak more eloquently than the most poetic description. Any region which is noted for its allurements can, with special advantage, be re-presented by means of a pictorial or perspective map, which is itself based upon an ordinary map or plan. Particularly is this the case when a fairly extensive area is to be represented. The extent to which perspective maps have been utilised seems quite inadequate in view of the wonders of our national scenery, which are an asset to the country and which demand that every means should be taken to present them in the most attractive way. As an aid to this object, the utilisation of pictorial maps should not be overlooked.

In the type of pictorial map here referred to the first consideration is the representation, with an approach to general accuracy, of the actual features of the country, such as will be of some practical as well as pictorial value. Although an artistic element enters into the production of a pictorial map, the kind of technique employed is a matter of taste; but a pictorial representation produced solely in accordance with some particular form of artistic expression—e.g., the impressionist variety—although excellent in itself, may cause an erroneous “impression” of the actual features of the terrain.

A perspective map possesses some advantages, apart from important considerations such as colour, technique, names, etc., over other means of depicting any region. For example, a photograph of an alpine scene is usually taken from a comparatively low altitude. Recognising this, a prominent New Zealand alpinist expressed the opinion that, for pictorial purposes, aeroplane photos might be more suitable. It seems, however, that this depends upon certain conditions under which the photograph is taken. In the case of the vertical aeroplane photographs, although they are often taken at fairly high altitudes, they are unsuitable pictorially and are intended to serve, by means of mosaic patching, the purpose of an ordinary map or plan. Expert knowledge is also required for the difficult task of their interpretation. As for the oblique aeroplane photos, which correspond to pictorial drawings, the altitudes from which they are said to be taken generally range from only 500ft. to 2000ft. But in the case of a perspective map, the elevation can be adjusted to take in any desired area. Also, information having advertising value can be clearly shown on a pictorial map, which would be obscure or indistinguishable in photographs. As a supplement to map data, however, photographs may be of great value in producing a pictorial map, particularly when the map information is incomplete.

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The perspective map reproduced herewith, shows an area of over 200 miles of New Zealand territory. The elevation adopted in the construction to represent suitably the region was far beyond the photographic range of aeroplanes.

There is a choice of three methods in the production of a perspective map: (1) the perspective projection on the vertical plane, (2) the oblique plane, and (3) the cylinder. The first is generally suitable for pictorial purposes, the second may be employed if less obscuration of the features of the country is desired, while the third method is of use for a cyclorama or the developed cylinder. If the earth's curvature is taken into consideration in representing extensive areas, the perspective construction requires some modification.