In the early 19th century the civilian market for maps expanded in Sweden. During previous centuries geographical maps had been confidential, accessible only to those in government office. Circulation of geographical knowledge among civilians was transmitted mainly through written parish descriptions. From 1797, when the first royal privilege for the production of maps was issued, the secrecy laws relaxed: private actors could now publish maps for civilian use. In order for the potential that the producers saw in the civilian map market to be realised, consumers had to want cartographic depictions of geographical information. The demand is evident through the expansion of the civilian market. However, the development raises questions of how and why cartographical depictions of information became prominent.  Through theories of circulation of knowledge, visual culture and consumer practices, this thesis shows in what ways the civilian map market was an arena for the circulation of knowledge. The market was supported by institutions subscribing to different ideals of how knowledge was transmitted, sought to further them by supporting the market. Trust for maps as a medium was built upon claims regarding the scientific methods used in their production, and producers sought to make maps understandable to consumers by adjusting the way cartographic information was presented, based on who the intended users were. Increasingly producers also adjusted to consumer demands, and took over the effort of making practical adjustments to the maps for use, of the kind that consumers previously had done themselves.