Long-Ago Map, Faraway LI View

Early Long Island Mapmakers didn't have the advantage of an eye in space, but this comparison of old and new shows that even with their rudimentary tools, cartographers could produce a useful representation of the Island.

The old map pictured here is labeled "A Map of ye English Empire in the Continent of America," by Robert Morden. It dates to 1690. The portion of "Long Iland" reproduced here shows Indians whaling off the South Fork and a wide, broad plain labeled the "Salisbury plaine." Also included are community names, including Huntington and "Hemsteed." On the East End, Gardiners Island is labeled "I. of Wight," which was the name given to the island by Lion Gardiner after he bought it in 1639.

The photograph showing Long Island was taken from the space shuttle during a March, 1997 mission.