-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: Maps and Color
Date:   Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:41:12 -0500 (EST)
From:   [log in to unmask]
To:     Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>



I am traveling at the moment, and cannot get to my references until early
next week, but there is an intrinsic misconception here, as many pre-1850
maps were hand colored. Perhaps the question is solely aimed at Washington
state maps, but then it goes on to ask when color became part of
mapmaking, something that can easily date to the manuscript eras, before
printing took hold in the latter part of the 15th century. Printed color
can also be dated to the woodblock era (usually just two colors: red and
black), although it really didn't take hold until well into the history of
lithography.

Manasek's book scans the subject a bit. Woodward's work, based on the
Nebenzahl lectures of the time gives more info, but there is quite a bit
of history re: the coloring of maps (tied to the coloring of prints, etc.)
that has a substantial scholarly base. I'll try to post some of the other
readings when I get back. Or the framer of the original question can
qualify a bit more.

            Joel  Kovarsky


 -------- Original Message --------
> Subject:        Maps and Color
> Date:   Fri, 1 Feb 2008 09:11:58 -0800
> From:   Diaz, Carlos <[log in to unmask]>
> To:     Maps-L (E-mail) <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>
>
> I have a student that is doing a maps project where she will detail the
> history of Washington State maps.
>
> One thing she noticed is that pre-1850 maps had no color in them while
> post-1850 maps had color.  When did color become part of mapmaking?  Did
> it have anything to do with the engravers that made the maps?  Was color
> more expensive to make?
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>        ,-~~-.___.
>       / |  '     \         "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of
>      (  )         0         the few or the one."
>       \_/-, ,----'
>          ====           //               Mr. Spock
>         /  \-'~;    /~~~(O)              Star Trek:  The Wrath of Khan
>        /  __/~|   /       |
>      =(  _____| (_________|
>
>
> Carlos A. Diaz
> Government Documents Specialist
> Government Documents/Maps
> Daniel J. Evans Library
> The Evergreen State College
> Mailstop L-2309
> Olympia, WA 98505
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.evergreen.edu/library/govdocs/index.html
> GovDocs/Maps Desk:  (360) 867-6165
> Carlos' phone:  (360) 867-6251
> fax:      (360) 866-6790
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>