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A critical analysis of the Ferraris Atlas (1770-1778) and unique perspectives on the 18th century Luxembourgish landscape through digital visualisation and spatial analysis
The Carte de cabinet des Pays-Bas autrichiens levée á l’initiative du comte de Ferraris (1771-1777) was the first major cartographic survey of the Austrian Netherlands, and its 275 map sheets are important sources for understanding the development of land usage in modern-day Luxembourg and Belgium due to its pre-industrial setting. This project critically analyses and deconstructs elements of the map sheets and their complementary Mémoires which correspond to the territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in order to better understand the complex information which the atlas conveys.
Along with this critical analysis, a GIS will be created to contain an interactive and dynamic visualisation of the Ferraris Atlas, displaying previously unknown information on physical and cultural landscapes, human demographics, agriculture, economy and industrialisation. This visualisation will allow for the complex and layered relationships between humans and landscapes to be viewed with unique and refreshing perspectives. Viewing the Ferraris Atlas in this way will create opportunities for comparisons with other maps and overlays of archaeological and geospatial data, and will encourage further use of digital methods in studying history.
Image: Detail of Luxemburg City, Carte de cabinet des Pays-Bas autrichiens levée á l’initiative du comte de Ferraris, 1771-1777, (Bruxelles, KBR, Ms. IV 5.627), https://uurl.kbr.be/1028394.