Maps can help us visualize where our ancestors lived and what jurisdictions (um towns and counties and stuff like that) are located. If you can't find your ancestor in the town where you think they should be then look for border changes or look in nearby towns.
There are many kinds of maps but landowner maps from the 1800s (19th century) and 1900s (20th century) are extremely useful for seeing where your ancestor lived and who were their neighbors… people who might also be your relatives.