This type of map is known as a perspective map. It shows the country in two-dimensional form, and features like mountains and islands seem to stand up.

The famous Japanese artist Hokusai created this map of China in 1840. It was made in the days before planes and space travel, so how did the artist get the necessary 'view' to be able to draw such a map?

It is worth noting that Hokuasi never actually visited China himself. However, he does seem to have had a good sense of humour for he signed his map 'Manji, the old man mad about drawing aged 81'!