In this article we review state-of-the-art concepts of space mapping and place them con- textually into the history of design optimization and modeling of microwave circuits. We formulate a generic space-mapping optimization algorithm, explain it step-by-step using a simple microstrip filter example, and then demonstrate its robustness through the fast design of an interdigital filter. Selected topics of space mapping are discussed, including implicit space mapping, gradient-based space mapping, the optimal choice of surrogate model, and tuning space mapping. We consider the application of space mapping to the modeling of microwave structures. We also discuss a software package for automated space-mapping optimization that involves both electromagnetic (EM) and circuit simulators.