Limited Geography Model
The “Limited geography model” was proposed in 1926 to better correlate to the topographical descriptions found in the Book of Mormon with known geography. It is clear from the text that the events described did not occur throughout an area as big as North and South America.
While the early Saints may have thought of Book of Mormon events in hemispheric terms, neither the prophecies in the Book of Mormon nor Joseph Smith’s account of Moroni’s visit requires such an interpretation of Book of Mormon geography.
Just as the Bible contains an account of the former inhabitants of the Asian continent, the Book of Mormon contains an account of the former inhabitants of the American continent. The Bible, however, is only concerned with a limited region of Asia and is largely confined to a small area. Similarly, the Book of Mormon, while an account written by ancient American prophets, may also have been limited to a small area, although the blessings promised in it may extend well beyond those boundaries.
While the early Saints may have thought of Book of Mormon events in hemispheric terms, neither the prophecies in the Book of Mormon nor Joseph Smith's account of Moroni's visit requires such an interpretation of Book of Mormon geography.
There is no revelation declaring Book of Mormon geography. Early leaders offered their own speculations, which did not always agree. But no leader claimed a visionary source for their opinions.
Joseph Smith said very little about the geography of the Book of Mormon. What little he did say suggests that he may have shared the view held by his associates, that the Book of Mormon narrative describes events occurring in North, Central, and South America.
See:
Limited Geography and the Book of Mormon: Historical Antecedents and Early Interpretations- by Matthew Roper
Additional Resources:
FAIR Issues 20: Book of Mormon geography may be smaller than you think, Michael R. Ash
FAIR Issues 40: Two points about Book of Mormon geography, Michael R. Ash
Fair Issues 79: A consistent Book of Mormon map, Michael R. Ash
Fair Issues 78: What is the correct Book of Mormon geography?, Miachael R. Ash
Fair Issues 77: What is the correct geography for the Book of Mormon?, Michael R. Ash
Book of Mormon Geography (PDF) (2008 FAIR Conference) by Larry Poulsen
A Key for Evaluating Nephite Geographies – by John E. Clark
Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon – by William J. Hamblin
Heartland as Hinterland: The Mesoamerican Core and North American Periphery of Book of Mormon Geography, Mark Alan Wright
Axes Mundi: Ritual Complexes in Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon, Mark Alan Wright
“War of Words and Tumult of Opinions”: The Battle for Joseph Smith’s Words in Book of Mormon Geography,Neal Rappleye
Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon – by Mark V. Withers
Interpreting Book of Mormon Geography – by Randall P. Spackman
Joseph Smith, Revelation, and Book of Mormon Geography – by Matthew Roper
Book of Mormon Geography in the Old World
Book of Mormon Geography in the New World
The Book of Mormon in a New World Setting by Brant Gardner
Journey of Faith: Book of Mormon Documentary
Journey of Faith: The New World video
Summary of Book of Mormon evidence and Geography by Steve Carr
Truth about Joseph Smith’s Beliefs on Geography of The Book of Mormon
LDS Temple dedicatory prayers and Book of Mormon geography
Ancient Mayan city Lamanai and The Book of Mormon
BOM Geography debate — 3 Unique Characteristics with Jerry Ainsworth
Book of Mormon 10 No Confirmed Locations by Michael Ash
Book of Mormon cities match Maya cities
Book of Mormon Geography, Old World
Geography of The Book of Mormon: the river Sidon
Heartland as Hinterland: Mesoamerican Core and North American Periphery of Book of Mormon Geography
In Search of Ancient Cumorah Segment 1
In Search of Ancient Cumorah segment 2
In Search of Ancient Cumorah segment 3
Indians of the Great Lakes region and The Book of Mormon
Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon Geography