The national map survey in eighteenth-century France

Konvitz, J. W. (1983) The national map survey in eighteenth-century France. Government Publications Review, 10(4), pp. 395-403. (doi: 10.1016/0277-9390(83)90079-1)

Abstract

Published national map surveys began in France. Colbert launched a geodetic survey around 1680 that was interrupted several times before its completion in 1744. A second survey was launched in 1747–1750 and completed on the eve of the Revolution. These surveys were funded by private and public sources. Although the role of the government was critical to their success, these surveys did not institutionalize map surveys and their publication as a routine administrative function. Cartography became established in the French bureaucracy in terms of specialized map forms: hydrographic maps (which were published) by the Navy, and topographic maps (which were not published) by the Army. Nevertheless, when other nations began to establish national map surveys of their own, they were inspired by the French model. They did not try to replicate the exact bureaucratic or institutional framework of the surveys, but tried instead to emulate and improve upon their scientific and graphic methods and results. The most lasting impact of French eighteenth-century national map surveys was the proof they gave, by example, that such a vast enterprise could be undertaken and concluded successfully.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Konvitz, Professor Josef
• Authors: Konvitz, J. W.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Government Publications Review
• ISSN: 0277-9390
• Published Online: 28 August 2002