Aileen Buckley, David Barnes, and Jaynya Richards write, “Historical maps have long captivated map readers with their aesthetic qualities and the intrigue they impart, partly because they were done by hand. In this paper, historical maps were examined to determine if they illustrated design techniques and symbology that are adaptable for maps today. If so, the design techniques were then replicated in a modern map making environment using geographic information systems (GIS). With this “history of cartography” approach, we attempt to discover the underlying technical process of creation.”
Techniques discussed and illustrated in color:
Late Sixteenth to Early Seventeenth Century: Hillsigns, Coastal Rakes, Rhumb Lines, Ocean Art, Mimetic City Symbols, Ocean Stippling, Stream Tapering.
Early to Mid-nineteenth Century: Point Symbols along Roads, Border Calibrated to the Graticule
Late Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century: Sepia Tone
“The techniques described can help to improve modern design and production for a number of reasons: these enhanced effects allow greater design flexibility which is appreciated by both cartographer and map reader; some of the effects can be used for challenging black and white map design; some of the symbols are intuitive and easily understood by the map reader; some create a unique and unusual look that draws the map reader in and keeps his or her attention; and some add beauty and intrigue to maps.”
Citation: Aileen Buckley, David Barnes, and Jaynya Richards. “Achieving Historical Map Effects with Modern GIS.” Cartographic Perspectives 56, Winter 2007, pp. 63-72 (pp. 67-72 in color).
Cartographic Perspectives issue #56 (Winter 2007) will be mailed soon to NACIS members. NACIS membership is $42/year ($20 for students) and includes three issues of the journal.
