Ferraris map

TheFerraris mapor map of theAustrian Netherlandsis ahistorical mapcreated between 1770 and 1778 by CountJoseph de Ferrarisand includes 275 sheetspublished at the original scale of 1/11.5. The map was made in response to a request byPrince Charles Alexander of Lorraine.It is the first systematic, large scale mapping of modern-dayBelgiumand parts ofWestern Europe.

Map ofMaastricht,Netherlands

Map ofLiège,Belgium

History

The topographic survey was performed on a territory corresponding to today'sBelgiumandLuxembourgas well as some territories now belonging toGermanyand theNetherlands.There are three original versions of the map. TheRoyal Library of Belgium,theAustrian National LibraryandNational Library of the Netherlandseach have one.

Importance

The Ferraris maps reflect the detailed state of theSouthern Netherlandstowards the end of theAncien Régime,just before the start of theIndustrial Revolutionthat drastically transformed landscapes. Looking at the maps today, it is obvious how much the areas have changed over time as people began to have a bigger impact on the environment.

Nowadays, Ferraris maps have multiple uses. Environmental organizations often use them to describe the "original" (i.e. pre-industrial) state of an area. The maps can also help identify archaeological finds and engineers can consult the maps to check for soil stability, since the maps feature mining pits that no longer exist but can still pose a danger.

External links

• Media related toCategory:Ferraris mapsat Wikimedia Commons
• The Ferraris map on the website of the Royal Library of Belgium