Mappa Geographiae Naturalis Sive Tabella Synoptica

A magnificent resource for the symbols used in 18th century cartography.

This curious imaginary map was designed to be used as a teaching aid for those in the field of mapmaking. The mythical land was created specifically to showcase as many various geographic features and cartographic concepts as possible, which are individually labeled in German, Latin, and occasionally French or Italian. Different languages can also be found at the cardinal directions just outside the border.

Various symbols used within the image are explained in an extensive legend in the lower right, also in German and Latin. Relief is shown pictorially, as are a number of other natural landforms and phenomena.

The map is not entirely utilitarian, and features a large decorative cartouche typical of its creator, Matthaus Seutter. On either side of the title can be seen two deities (possibly Tyche or Cybele, and Poseidon) representing the joining of land and water, surrounded by symbols of abundance and fertility. Above the pair is a winged angel performing the saintly work of measuring the globe.