The map does not show any people or houses. It also leaves out many other buildings and natural features. Instead it focuses on places that a pilgrim making the trip to Mecca would find most useful, such as the location of the Ka^cba. Because it is not cluttered with details, the relevant features are clear and easy to locate. The city has changed over the centuries, but even today this map can help identify the important sites.

Religionsgeschichte - Islam 1889 View of the mosque in Mecca, while a communal "Calat" is being held inside. Image courtesy of Bildarchive Preussischer Kulturbesitz

Here's a photograph of Mecca to compare with the map. Look for the Ka^cba, the cube-shaped structure in the center of the courtyard. The minaret outside the walls of the courtyard, the surrounding city buildings, and the distant hills are also visible in the photograph.