Schmettausches Kartenwerk Brandenburg-Sektion 48, Wittenberge comprises hand-drawn, unique topographical maps of Prussian territory east of the Weser river. The 270-section map work was created between 1767 and 1787 by Prussian officer and cartographer Friedrich Wilhelm Karl Graf von Schmettau. The originals are held by the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz and the maps are multi-colour prints measuring 97 cm x 64 cm.
Use Cases
- Analyze historical land use and settlement patterns based on the detailed topographic features.
- Study the evolution of cartographic techniques and styles in the 18th century.
- Georeference historical maps for comparison with modern geographical data.
- Research the political and administrative geography of the Prussian state.
Strengths
- The map work consists of 270 individual hand-drawn sections.
- Maps were created over a 20-year period from 1767 to 1787.
- Each map sheet is a large-format, multi-colour print measuring 97 cm x 64 cm.
Limitations
- Last updated 1787-12-31 00:00:00; freshness should be verified.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
- Source
- Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie
- Collection Method
- Hand-drawn cartographic survey.
- Time Range
- 1767 to 1787
- Geography
- Prussian territory east of the Weser river, specifically the Wittenberge area (Section 48).