Digital Maps and Geospatial Data | Princeton University

This layer is a georeferenced image of a map of Canada originally created by J. Bouchette in 1815. The original map appears in "(Description Topograph Du Bas Canada) (with) To His Royal Highness George Augustus Frederick ... This Topographical Map of the Province of Lower Canada, Shewing its division into Districts, Counties, Seigniories, & Townships ... Is ... Most Gratefully Dedicated ... Joseph Bouchette, His Majesty's Surveyr General of the Province & Lieutt. Colonel C.M. ... Published by W. Faden, Charing Cross, Augst. 12th 1815. Engraved by J. Walker & Sons, 47 Bernard Street, Russell Square, London. (with) Map of the Provinces of Upper & Lower Canada with the Adjacent Parts of the United States Of America &c. Compiled from the latest Surveys and Adjusted from the most recent and Approved Astronomical Observations by Joseph Bouchette ... Augst 12th, 1815, by W. Faden ... (with) Plan of the District of Gaspe ... Augst 12th, 1815" The historic map layers in the Google Earth Rumsey Map Collection have been selected by David Rumsey from his large collection of historical maps, as well as some from other collections with which he collaborates. All the maps contain rich information about the past and represent a sampling of time periods, scales, and cartographic art, resulting in visual history stories that only old maps can tell. Each map has been georeferenced by Rumsey, thus creating unique digital map images that allow the old maps to appear in their correct places on the modern globe. Some of the maps fit perfectly in their modern spaces, while othersgenerally earlier period mapsreveal interesting geographical misconceptions of their time. Cultural features on the maps can be compared to the modern satellite views using the slider bars to adjust transparency. The result is an exploration of time as well as space, a marriage of historic cartographic masterpieces with innovative contemporary software tools.