Maps & ICT

  The world in 50 historical maps: 20BC-2018 Ioannis Guertsonii 2020 PART I gives an  introduction to the use of early maps, the publication of general atlases and the changing world map. PART II gives additional information on how maps are made. PART III gives an overview of the history of cartography (timeline). PART IV contains a selection of remarkable country maps and a description of their makers. The series shows its changing shape through time: from the first drawn maps via the Golden Age (of Cartography) to the present day. The maps are not only characterized by their content based on newly available information.  The cartographic drawing style has also evolved through time: from early manuscript and woodcut drawings via (copper) engravings to modern printing techniques. The timeline  follows the (European) history of  cartography.  Maps drawn by  the most famous cartographers of  each era are presented. In the Appendix a selection of common Latin words, used on ancient maps,

  Europe in 50 historical maps In classical Greek mythology, Europe (Europa) is the name of either a queen of Crete or Phoenician princess. It means “wide-gazing” or “broad of aspect”.  Europe was already described by classical Greek scholars; e.g. Ptolemy in his Geographia (150AD). The accompanying maps were worked out again by European cartographers at the end of the 15th century.   It is also depicted on the T-O based Mappa Mundi of the middle ages, being one of the 3 then known ‘old’ continents (besides Asia and Africa). The first (printed) separate maps of Europe appeared in the early 16th century. Numerous maps made by famous cartographers would follow: e.g. Gastaldi (Italy), Mercator (Belgium), Speed (England), Sanson (France), Blaeu (Netherlands) and Homann (Germany). Low resolution sample video

  Netherlands & Belgium in 44 historical maps The general name Low Countries is generally used for the region covering both The Netherlands and Belgium.  The name Netherlands (Dutch: Nederland ) is used for the northern country. It means “low lying lands”. The name Holland  (Latin: Hollandia), covering the provinces Noord- and Zuid-Holland, is  sometimes used to identify the whole country. It is probably derived from the Germanic word holt-land (“wooded land”) or it may refer to “hollow” or “marsh land”. The name Belgium, for the southern country, came into use after their independence from the United Netherlands in 1830.  The name refers to “Land of the Belgae”, a Celtic tribe in he Roman province of Gallia Belgica (Belgic Gaul). The name’s  origin is uncertain, but it may be derived from the Proto-Indo-European word bhelgh-,  meaning  “to bulge” or  “to swell”. An alternative theory suggests that it means “bright”. On early maps, the name for the province of Flanders (Latin: Flan

Gerardus Mercator: the cartographer who shaped our worldview Ioannis Guertsonii 2022 This story is dedicated to Gerardus or Gerard Mercator (1512-1594), for many – including the author of this book – the greatest cartographer of all time. His life, education and work are described. He lived in a time and region where poverty and political-religious tensions prevailed: the south-east of the Low Countries in the 16th century. Mercator's life therefore had many setbacks, including his imprisonment and the loss of 3 of his 5 children. Nevertheless, he became proficient in all facets of map making: geographical knowledge, surveying techniques and map design and engraving. He produced both large-scale and small-scale maps, world maps and atlases. In addition, he made (earth) globes and surveying instruments.       His life, studies and work are described chronologically. His predecessors are also discussed: in particular, the geographers from classical antiquity who inspired him during

Route Navigation Systems: the story behind Ioannis Guertsonii 2023 Almost everyone uses a Route Navigation System these days, sometimes even daily. This book covers the (technical) “story behind it”. It answers questions such as: how are the (map) data obtained, how the map database is constructed, how GPS works to determine your location, what does the route planner algorithm look like, etc. The various techniques are explained in an understandable way and clarified through clear illustrations. This is introduced by a bit of history: what did the first road maps look like and who made them. NOTE: The term Route Navigation System (RNS for short) is used because a number of systems discussed are suitable for various modes of transport: car driving, cycling and walking.

  JavaScript: developing a cartographic viewer for statistical data Ioannis Guertsonii 2021 Cartography is the science and technology of making maps. Its purpose is to visualize spatial related information. In ancient and medieval times cartography was often seen as a form of art and a way to express political and religious views. It gradually evolved into an “exact” information and communication science. As geographers describe the earth, cartographers visualize it.  A map is a graphical representation of the earth and its spatial features; an atlas is a systematic collection of maps in book form. An e-atlas is an electronic or digital atlas.        After years of gaining knowledge and experience in the fields of cartography and computer science (particularly programming), it was time to integrate things. The aim was to demonstrate that you can create thematic maps with simple (and free) programming tools. The choice fell on JavaScript, a “simple” programming language that is availabl

  JavaScript 2: developing a cartographic viewer for Digital Terrain Models Ioannis Guertsonii 2023 A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is a computer version of a traditional elevation map. The data is usually stored in raster form: the (average) height - above sea level - of each grid cell is determined. The resolution or size of the grid cells on the Earth's surface determines the accuracy and implicitly the map scale. In this book, various cartographic techniques in the form of JS are worked out to conjure up the data on the screen. NOTE: This book is an addition to the previously published book "JavaScript" (1), in which the emphasis was on the processing and presentation of vector -oriented data.