Dr. John Snow's cholera map (1854)

Dr. John Snow's cholera map (1854)

A reproduction of Dr. John Snow's map of Soho, mapping the cholera epidemic of 1854.

The Broad Street water pump.

The Broad Street water pump.

A closer look at the compass rose used on the map.

A closer look at the compass rose used on the map.

Dr. John Snow's cholera map (1854)

Dr. John Snow created a map of Soho to illustrate how the cholera outbreak of 1854 was centred around the water pump in Broad Street. By plotting the locations of those who contracted cholera on a map, Dr. Snow was able to demonstrate the significance of the Broad Street water pump to the outbreak. The strength of his map and other statistical studies was enough to convince the council to disable the water pump in Broad Street. For many, Snow's work at this time is considered to be one of the most significant early examples of epidemiology.

The map here is a recreation of Dr. John Snow's original for use in a children's book covering the subject.

By using two contrasting colours, a strong red on a neutral background, it is possible to quickly see the distribution of cholera cases. It is also evident to see how strong Dr. Snow's argument would have been in terms of the connection between the Broad Street pump and the cholera outbreak.

Ed Merritt
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About

Hello, my name is Ed Merritt. I am a cartographer based in Southampton (UK). I established Merritt Cartographic in 2006.

I am a graduate of Oxford Brookes University, receiving an honours degree in Mapping and Cartography. Having worked in the past for a large publishing company in central London, much of my current work is commissioned for inclusion in reference books. I also produce interactive maps for deployment on websites and in applications as well as products for use on public display panels and signposts. As a freelance cartographer, I have produced custom maps and graphics for a wide range of publishers, charities, media organisations and businesses. My work has been included in books published by Dorling Kindersley, National Geographic, Pearson, Penguin Books, Oxford University Press, Taschen, Laurence King Publishing, Millennium House and Weldon Owen. I've also created maps for a wide range of other companies and charities, including the Royal Horticultural Society, Smithsonian Institution, Best Western, The Greenbrier Companies, Fastmarkets, Bright Horizons and Cycling UK.

I enjoy being creative in my work and like to explore new approaches. As a map-maker, I have a natural tendency to pay attention to detail and also to work hard to ensure that I am being as accurate as I can in the work that I produce.

For more information on how Merritt Cartographic can best assist you with your project, please send me a message or make contact via the information displayed above and throughout the site. I look forward to hearing from you.

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