Vanhojen karttojen Suomi : Historiallisen kartografian vertaileva tarkastelu = Finland in Old Maps
120: Gummerus, 1984. Hardcover. Large book (33 x 37 cm). Text in Finnish, Summaries in Swedish and English. 144 pp. Minor wear to spine ends and corners.
This volume contains a collection of maps of various parts of Finland, made for different purposes and covering a period of time of more than 300 years. These maps include hand-drawn archival maps. Some of these maps were meant for professional use only, some are complete while others have sustained considerable damage in the course of the years. However, the maps include ones which were actually published, not just stored in archives.
The maps lend themselves to a study of the historical development of cartographic design and of the characteristics of maps made for different purposes in the same era. The rules and regulations concerning surveys issued by the Finnish Geological Survey at different times have contributed towards a more consistent use of colors and symbols. Yet as late as the 17th century the individual differences between surveyors are clearly dispalyed. The present volume offers an especially illuminating look at the cartographic skills of one Hans Hansson; as Surveyor General of the Province of Turku, Hansson occupied a central position not only as a compiler of maps. Maps were often drawn not only by surveyors but also by soldiers, certain other government employees and private citizens.
Cartographic design enotes the planning and fashioning of the signs and symbols used and their interaction, the aim being efficient communication without, however, neglecting accuracy and readability of the graphic presentation. Originally, the aim may have been solely to employ as distinct symbols and colors as possible for different phenomena and to position them at true-to-life points (as determined by measurements Or otherwise) on the maps. The ways of enhancing communication are however numerous. One can for instance take into account sets of related phenomena and the symbols used to denote them, as well as the relationships between symbols and reality: In view of the 350th anniversary celebrations of the National Survey Administration, it is especially fascinating to browse in files of old maps and thus to acquaint oneself with the background to high-quality modern Finnish cartography. In many ways, the links between cartography and tradition have been strong. At the same time, however. cartography has adopted novel tasks and has thus become more vital than it has ever been before. Near Fine. Item #6513
ISBN: 9512025000
Price: $120.00