The Early Origins and Development of the Scatterplot | Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences

“Maps showing physical elevation iconically (mountains, valleys) had long been used, but in 1701, Edmund Halley (see reproductions in Thrower, 1981) introduced the idea of the contour map to show curves of equal magnetic declination (isogons), the first use of a data-based contour map of which we are aware.”

Read the Article | Michael Friendly and Daniel Denis

A new and correct chart shewing the variations of the compass in the Western & Southern Oceans as observed in ye year 1700 by his Majesties command by Edm. Halley. - Sir Edmond Halley, best known for his computation of the orbit of what would come to be known as Halley's Comet, pioneered understanding of trade winds, tides, cartography, naval navigation, mortality tables, and stellar proper motions. In 1699 he explored the Atlantic Ocean and recorded its magnetic declination (isogones) or compass variations. Halley's map was the first printed map to show isogones.

London, [W. and J. Mount, and T. Page], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Thumbnail Image: Portrait of Edmond Halley (1656-1742) by Thomas Murray (1663-1734)/ Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons