Pont's maps are among the earliest surviving to show a European country in minute detail, from an actual survey.
On 25 July 1609, Pont had a Royal grant of two thousand acres (8 km²) in connection with the scheme for the plantation of Ulster, the price being 400l.
In connection with the project he made a complete survey of all the shires and islands of the kingdom, visiting remote districts and making drawings on the spot.
A contemporary described how Pont "personally surveyed...and added such cursory observations on the monuments of antiquity...as were proper for the furnishing out of future descriptions.
James VI gave instructions that the maps should be purchased from Pont's heirs and prepared for publication, but on account of the disorders of the time they were nearly forgotten.
Sir John Scot of Scotstarvet prevailed on Robert Gordon of Straloch to undertake their revision with a view to publication.