Collecting Antique Maps - A Maps Anatomy

There's a handful of elements besides the Cartouche that make up a maps Ornamentation . With most 16th to 18th century maps you will want to be aware of these and they are shown in the boxes below.  Maps were made to different scales so it would be logical for there to be a ratio that compared the measurement on the map to the actual distance. These scales are normally shown by means of multiple scale bars for the units of measurement to the mile.

Another feature is whats known as the 'Legend'. This simple device contains the explanation for symbols used on the map such as towns, roads, canals, rivers, forts, bridges etc. Many old maps have different symbols for the likes of market towns, cathedral towns and fortifications, within somelegends there is a simple numbered or alphabetical index. Getting a basic understanding of a maps anatomy so you're able to identify the ornamental parts that make up a map is essential . . . Know your ORNAMENTATION