Roberts M – DIGITISING SCHEMATIC MAPS 2017

Description

Authored by Maxwell J. Roberts from the University of Essex, this concise 2017 paper, originally presented at the Second International Workshop on Exploring Old Maps (EOM 2017), offers a critical examination of digitizing historic schematic maps. Spanning just two pages, it is a visually rich contribution, copiously illustrated with high-quality comparative figures that showcase scans of original designs alongside modern vector implementations and proposed adaptations. Roberts delves into the methodological benefits and challenges of digitally recreating historical cartography, particularly regarding the inherent anachronisms. He argues for the significant value of such vector graphic reproductions in design investigations, allowing for deeper interpretation and understanding of unpublished or lost designs, provided the potential for historical inaccuracies is carefully considered. As a peer-reviewed conference paper, it presents a credible and well-argued perspective from an academic expert, crucial for researchers in cartography, information design, and historical data visualization.