THE INFLUENCE OF COPPER-PLATE ENGRAVING ON MAP CONTENT AND ACCURACY -PREPARATION OF THE 17TH-CENTURY BLAEU ATLAS OF SCOTLAND

Extant manuscript sources of seven maps published in Blaeu's Atlas Nov us in 1654 provide evidence for a study of the effects of engraving on map content and on the location of named places in the map. There is a measurable reduction in both the amount and in the quality of inform ation in consequence of engraving. Whilst preparation for printing mad e little difference to accuracy overall, the location of some places w ithin the map is nevertheless likely to be discernibly altered for bet ter or for worse.