Collecting charts; more than just navigation data. Miscellaneous finds in a natutical charts collection. / Hans Ferwerda in ealier contribution, the author described various aspects of older charts, such as topography, use of colour, depiction of te seabed and the addition of attractive coastel vieuws.
The present article deals with details or themes which one would not expect, or which are seldom seen, on standard charts.
The article subdivides into:
The chart as a source for studies like changes in a sediment, or in preparation for building infra structure; the importance of the low-water line to determine the limits of maritime zones under the rules of UNCLOS; some examples of nautical-technical specialities (like the variety in level of Chart Datum); remarkable details (like certain names for example, which evoke curiosity, some errors, or a Captain who had palm trees and vegetables planted on Pacific Islands, "for the sake of Castaways".
A final, long "Chapter" is on description or notes resulting from expeditions. Remarkable descriptions were found on "Charts of Socotra", and of the Antartic an Artic Seas. The latter, especially after careful study of two in the Canadian Artic, turn out to show many traces of an unparalleled and amazing history of countless expeditons that involved wintering in Artic waters, of which the autor was unaware. Expeditions not only to find a North West Passage, but after 1848 also induced by the search for Sir John Franlin, who vanished in Iice with two vessel with all hands. ( )

dhr. prof. dr. G. (Günther) Schilder.
Universiteitsbibliotheek
Sector Bijzondere Collecties
Bezoekadres: Bijzondere Collecties.Oude Turfmarkt 129 Amsterdam
Kamernummer: SB2.11.
Postadres: Oude Turfmarkt 129.1012 GC Amsterdam. ( )