A fragment-based approach for computing the long-term visual evolution of historical maps

This paper develops a methodology for cartographic stylometry, treating maps as visual language systems. Using a corpus of 10,000 French and Swiss maps (1600-1950), the authors fragment map images into elementary units ('mapels'). A feature representation is computed by contrasting maps from different series, distinguishing map series and enabling the grouping of mapels into types ('mapotypes'). Analysis reveals a steady abstraction process in the 17th and 18th centuries and a 19th-century split between small- and large-scale maps. Macroscopic trends, like increased fine lines and map load, reflect cultural shifts in mapping practices.

Remi Petitpierre, Johannes H. Uhl, Isabella di Lenardo, Frédéric Kaplan