New York mapped by hand

Cartography (aka mapmaking) dates back to, quite literally, the cave man. The earliest maps consisted of cave paintings, rock carvings, and clay-tablet etchings before ever evolving into to two-dimensional paper drawings. Now anything other than the computer-generated kind smacks of archaism—unless, of course, it’s the forward-thinking work by British illustrator Jenni Sparks.

Commissioned by online art vendor evermade.com, Sparks produced an intricate, hand-drawn map of New York City — an undertaking that required three months of research, planning, and meticulous sketching.

The result is more than merely a representation of boroughs, subway lines, and landmarks, as Sparks merges detailed accuracy with the whimsical nature that is so characteristic of NYC. The artist’s tribute to The Big Apple is especially meaningful in the wake of Hurricane Sandy; for in spite of the devastation, New York is uniquely resilient — and Sparks’ renderings remind us of the surviving spirit of The City.

Jenni Sparks’ meticulous aerial-perspective of New York City.

Manhattan highlights from The Theater District to Times Square to Bryant Park.

Such gems as Gramercy, Greenwich Village, and The Meatpacking District are brought to life with just the right amount of quirk.

The New York Stock Exchange—including special attention to the 1929 Wall Street Crash and the present-day Occupy Movement.

The cultural vibe of SoHo and Tribeca.

The tourist-driven Central Park area, flanked by the Upper West and East Sides.

Williamsburg boasts beer gardens, churches, and studios.

When looking for quintessential New Yorkers, look no further than Queens and Astoria.

No rendering of NYC would be complete without iconic Liberty Island and the Lady that it houses.

Jenni Sparks has tackled London and New York — which city should she take on next? Let us know what you’d like to see.

Stacey Kole

Stacey Kole is a freelance writer and former magazine editor. When she’s not crafting copy or chasing after her two little boys, Stacey can be found drinking coffee, tea, or anything else with caffeine. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter.