William Smith Map (1815)

The William Smith Map, created in 1815 by English geologist William Smith, is considered the world's first geological map. It depicted the distribution of different rock layers across England and Wales, showcasing how they corresponded to specific fossils. Smith's work demonstrated that geological features could be identified and categorized based on their unique fossil content, laying the foundation for modern geology and stratigraphy. His map revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s history by illustrating how the planet's layers were formed over time, helping scientists locate natural resources like coal and minerals more effectively.