Ask Mapman[TM].

As Junior Scholastic's Mapman, my job is to make maps. This column gives you the chance to ask me anything about cartography (mapmaking) and geography (the study of land, climate, resources, and people).

Throughout history, every culture has contributed to the art of mapmaking. From the ancient clay tablets of Babylonia (now part of Iraq) to digital dashboard images in today's car, maps are snapshots of our constantly changing world.

Since geography takes in so much of human experience, I expect your questions to cover every corner of the globe!

Rachel K., 13, from Ohio, wonders about Native American mapmarkets.

Q: Did Native Americans make maps?

A: Native Americans created maps long before European explores set foot on the shores of North America. In fact, many of the early explorers filled in their maps with details taken from Native American sketches. However, because the cartographic symbols used by each group varied widely, confusion arose between the two cultures.

In 1910, an interesting encounter took place near Canada's Hudson Bay. U.S.-born explorer Robert Flaherty met an Inuit named Wetalltok. The Inuit spoke of islands that had been overlooked by whites. He then showed Flaherty a pencil sketch.

Since the drawing lacked any kind of scale, Flaherty expressed skepticism. Wetalltok grinned and said, "The white man doesn't know everything." Indeed, the map led Flaherty to the Belcher Islands.

Be sure to print your name, age and question clearly. If we publish your question you will win a poster-size map of the world!