Browse Items (88 total)

This layer is the combined latitude and longitude lines of the map, complete with degrees and other lines of reference. It demarcates the physical system of space measurement that lends credence to the map's representation of area. It also serves as…

This layer contains the physical shapes of continents and islands as understood at the time of the map's creation. It is in many ways the real substance of the map, whose intention seems to be showing "the whole world." The majority of detail is in…

This layer is composed of toponyms and added color. Though the map includes names of regions and even a few cities, I was unable to reliably trace anything smaller than the names of continents and oceans. I call these "sociopolitical" because they…

This layer is a zoomed out "frame of reference" composed of the illustrations around the circles containing the geographic information of the other three layers. Following Harley, I argue that this is more than just a pretty picture but actually says…

This layer shows the map reader(s) where bodies of water are located. Knowing the location and layout of water was important for at least two reasons: (1) it indicated where barriers and entryways to accessing land further inland existed, and (2) it…

One of the key purposes of this map was to provide the reader(s) with a plan for where to place specific military personnel and supplies/equipment upon landing on the beach. This information is conveyed through symbols, numbers, and acronyms, which…

Another critical function of this map was to show the reader(s) how to move personnel and supplies around the beach area and, more importantly, further inland. This layer shows the roads—perhaps existing (represented by the solid lines) and planned…

This layer contains the security classification level of the map, as well as the name of the location, date the map was created, and information on who prepared it. The latter three items serve as important reference points for the map reader(s), who…

Perhaps the most intrinsic element of a map are the shapes which guide and inform the reader’s perspective. The art of transforming a three dimensional land mass into a two dimensional piece of paper is reliant on orienting the reader’s line of…

This layer depicts the fields on the outskirts of the territory of Berlin. They are distinct from the enclosed properties in and around the city, and are set off with horizontal lines. This field terrain is the most peripheral area depicted on the…