-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [ISHMap-List] Cartographic innovations by the early portolan chartmakers Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2016 12:03:54 +0000 From: Tony Campbell <[log in to unmask]> Reply-To: [log in to unmask] To: ISHMap-List <[log in to unmask]> The following new online publication might be of interest to some on this list: *Cartographic innovations by the early portolan chartmakers* *(and subsequent developments)*** *focusing through the centuries on the traditional medieval coverage: * *the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the North Sea and Baltic, and north-west Africa*** http://www.maphistory.info/PortolanChartInnovations.html Abstract: Since the medieval portolan charts were the earliest systematic and dedicated cartographic aids for marine navigation, it is inevitable that various hydrographic features will be appearing there for the first time.But, beyond that, the inventiveness of successive chartmakers led to the introduction of a number of conventions into cartography /as a whole/.Indeed, it is not unreasonable to claim that those charts, in the form they had achieved by the end of the developmental period (around 1330), embodied more cartographic inventions than /any other map type/. A list of the specific innovations found on the earliest survivors is followed by an itemising of the contrivances introduced on the work of Pietro Vesconte (1311-c.30) and those who came after him. A number of the introductions, particularly the documenting of offshore hazards, were clearly designed as practical aids for mariners.Overall, what the charts offered seamen was unparalleled in its complexity and practical usefulness compared to anything made for landsmen. The extended geographical coverage up to 1500 is described, along with the charts’ geometric and toponymic developments.A few were still being produced in the late 17^th century, which means that this visually distinctive genre of marine charts had a life of some 400 years.Such longevity, for a largely unchanging format retained for its practical utility, may well be unprecedented in cartography. Comments are invited. Tony Campbell [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] 'Map History':http://www.maphistory.info Academia:https://independent.academia.edu/CampbellTony Twitter:https://twitter.com/portolanchart01 _______________________________________________ ISHM mailing list [log in to unmask] http://lazarus.elte.hu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ishm