Why can maps tell us about a time in history? Objective Students will be able to: discuss the importance of Captain John Smith's map of Virginia develop map reading skills and vocabulary Background The Age of Exploration ushered in the age of maps. Some maps became so important to travelers that many copies were made of them. These map copies were especially useful to the explorers and settlers of the New World. One such map was Captain John Smith's map of Virginia. Its importance and accuracy (for that time period) also made it one of the most copied maps. Preparation Print out reading materi Duration: 60 Minutes.