Imago Mundi is the only English-language scholarly periodical devoted exclusively to the history of pre-modern maps, mapping, and map-related ideas from anywhere in the world. It was founded in Berlin in 1935 by the Russian émigré Leo Bagrow as an annual publication, although only five volumes appeared between 1935 and 1948. From 1975 to 2003 publication was regular. In 2004 Imago Mundi became a biannual publication. The first volume was in German. Thereafter English was used with, very occasionally, French. After 2002 (volume 54) Imago Mundi publishes exclusively in English with foreign language abstracts (currently French, German, and Spanish). A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted in 1995. All articles represent original research, are refereed, and are well illustrated (recent volumes have included color plates). Since 1977 each volume has contained a full complement of scholarly aids in the form of book reviews, bibliography, and chronicles, all of which have made Imago Mundi a valuable journal of record as well as scholarship.

Imago Mundi, Ltd. is a not-for-profit charity. The Board of Directors appoints the Editor and makes policy, but not editorial, decisions. Imago Mundi, Ltd. is also responsible for coordinating the International Conferences on the History of Cartography (founded in 1964) and for producing periodic editions of a 'Who's Who in the History of Cartography'.