The Virginia map was engraved by William Hole and was based on information gained during the two Chesapeake voyages made by John Smith. The map was first published in England in 1612 and was accompanied by an account of the voyages and descriptions of the Chesapeake and its people. The Virginia map remained the standard geographical reference for the Chesapeake region for over a century, and continues to be an important source of information on the 17th century Chesapeake.