What is the importance of maps in the novel, The Map of Salt and Stars?

Maps are a representation of people’s journeys. For some, it is a tool to show where they are going. For others, however, maps show where they have been. Every person has a map within themselves. A path to follow and blank spaces for them to fill throughout their life. Every map is also a representation of the map maker as each one has special details that are unique to them. Nour’s mom uses colors and poetry. Al-Idrisi uses drawings and extreme detail. No two maps are the same, just as every person walks a different path.