Epistemes of Cartography
Maps are privileged media for representing knowledge. The cartographic dispositif not only makes it possible to organize existing knowledge but often generates new knowledge by spatializing data and illustrating connections. As instruments of knowledge, maps are not representations of reality but rather designs for understanding the world.
This research area examines both the functioning of the cartographic device in concrete historical case studies and its role in the history of knowledge as such. Generally speaking, the main interest is to question the relationship between maps and other media that visualize space.
In 1582, Jan van Stinemolen drew a panoramic view of Naples from the land, thus inverting the traditional view from the sea. It remains difficult to read even for those familiar with the Neapolitan topography and – although well known to scholars – has never been studied in depth.
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In the
Editing Naples project, historical maps and views of Naples are digitized and digitally annotated with information from their respective legends. This seemingly simple process actually enables a deeper understanding of the historical print product by means of its digital processing.
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Historical maps are excellent tools for understanding the shape and development of a city. This project combines for the first time geo-referenced historical maps of Naples with texts from city guidebooks. Digital layering creates a tool that allows the user to move virtually in time and space.
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