Johnston was a Scottish cartographer educated the University of Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to the Edinburgh engraver and mapmaker, James Kirkwood.
In 1826 he and his brother William began in a printing and engraving business, forming the well-known firm of W. and A. K. Johnston. Johnston was a prolific mapmaker and publisher. He was soon professionally recognised by being appointed Geographer Royal of Scotland. In October 1849 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and in 1862 he was a founding member of the Meteorological Society of Scotland.
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