This work examines maps produced by and for travelers in Central America between the years 1821 and 1950, a genre of cartography rarely considered by historians who study geography or travel literature. The work argues that, during the first part of this period, travelers initially considered the production of maps as an indispensable element in travel reports, preparing maps more for future use than for use during the trip. With the creation of railroads, the steamship, the automobile, and airlines, 20th-century travelers became more consumers of maps than producers of maps. Between 1821 and 1950, the content of travelers' maps also evolved. The first travelers to the newly independent countries of Central America mapped the political geography, emphasizing the territorial borders, established during the independence of that region (1821-1839). Subsequent travelers carried out a topographical survey of the interior with the aim of developing trade (1839-1886), highlighting transit - railroads and transport channels -, mining and colonization. By the end of the 19th century, with geographically correct maps available to the public in atlas and other forms, travelers contributed "custom" maps that were no longer intended to represent accurate topography, but other scientific or entertainment knowledge, and even In the mid-twentieth century, maps became a product of publishers, while travelers produced photographs and illustrations. established during the independence of that region (1821-1839). Subsequent travelers carried out a topographical survey of the interior with the aim of developing trade (1839-1886), highlighting transit - railroads and transport channels -, mining and colonization. By the end of the 19th century, with geographically correct maps available to the public in atlas and other forms, travelers contributed "custom" maps that were no longer intended to represent accurate topography, but other scientific or entertainment knowledge, and even In the mid-twentieth century, maps became a product of publishers, while travelers produced photographs and illustrations. established during the independence of that region (1821-1839). Subsequent travelers carried out a topographical survey of the interior with the aim of developing trade (1839-1886), highlighting transit - railroads and transport channels -, mining and colonization. By the end of the 19th century, with geographically correct maps available to the public in atlas and other forms, travelers contributed "custom" maps that were no longer intended to represent accurate topography, but other scientific or entertainment knowledge, and even In the mid-twentieth century, maps became a product of publishers, while travelers produced photographs and illustrations. highlighting traffic - railroads and transport channels-, mining and colonization. By the end of the 19th century, with geographically correct maps available to the public in atlas and other forms, travelers contributed "custom" maps that were no longer intended to represent accurate topography, but other scientific or entertainment knowledge, and even In the mid-twentieth century, maps became a product of publishers, while travelers produced photographs and illustrations. highlighting traffic - railroads and transport channels-, mining and colonization. By the end of the 19th century, with geographically correct maps available to the public in atlas and other forms, travelers contributed "custom" maps that were no longer intended to represent accurate topography, but other scientific or entertainment knowledge, and even In the mid-twentieth century, maps became a product of publishers, while travelers produced photographs and illustrations.

