the Australian national University opened free and free online access to rare and unique cards in the Asia-Pacific region, which are stored in its collection.
As reported on the website of the University, only available to the more than 5,000 cards. Many of which are extremely rare. The University’s collection as a whole contains many topographic, cadastral, aviation and thematic maps. Their age, sometimes hundreds of years.
“the earliest map dates back to 1662 year, says Jenny Sheehan, who manages the collection. Is the full map of Batavia, the old capital of the Dutch East Indies – with all its FORTS. In General, we have over 120 antique maps XVII, XVIII and XIX centuries, 60 of which were generously donated to us by writer Clive Cassiram”.
Some cards are truly unique. One of them owns a map of the Indonesian island of roti, which was drawn up to 1907. On it were carefully marked all the settlements belonging to the colonial era of the Netherlands. Perhaps it was drawn by an eyewitness, moving from settlement to settlement.
According to Ms. Sheehan, this map was analysed by the experts. They called it unique, because nothing like this one and never found either in Indonesian or in Dutch archives.
“of Course, the value of the cards is the story they tell about a specific period of time, she says. Our collection also presents a 76-year-old inclinometer. This tool was created in 1942 in Australia to help the allied troops in conducting reconnaissance during the Second world war”.
open access is now rare map of 1896, which marked the Catholic mission throughout New Zealand and in Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga and other Islands. In addition, visitors can get acquainted with booklet of 30 historical photographs of Papua New Guinea.
By the way, uploaded to the Network card used for practical purposes. Scientists draw from them a reference when implementing research projects. Maps help in the comparison of modern and ancient infrastructure and allow you to recreate various historical journey.
