Series which explored the nature and role of mapping in various historical and social contexts.
This first program in the series explains the impossibility of representing the earth on a flat surface. Uses examples of maps made throughout centuries to show how all maps lie a little and some lie a great deal, depending on such things as convention, imagination and politics.
A noted historical map shows France and Great Britain carving up the world with 40% of Third World boundaries said to be determined by these two nations. While early maps were used to settle property disputes, some perceived their importance as effective weapons of colonization.
In war, maps have spelled victory or defeat. Maps from the Battle of Cullodun to the recent Gulf War show the importance of their characteristics in detailing the progress of armies along with panoramas of the countryside.
Some maps shown are from the private collection of the Duke of Cumberland and are previously unseen by the public.Maps chart human travel. Road map design from the days of Charlcs II to the present is illustrated along with map reading skills and examples of unconventional maps, such as, modern tactile maps.
The stories of cities can be told through their maps. The program looks at constantly changing London from Shakespeare's time to the present with its maze of railway tunnels shelters and underground physical characteristics. Shows how children can be instructed to develop map reading skills by sketching routes, using symbols and following route maps.
Even if X doesn't always mark the spot, maps can illuminate both the past and
the present. This series explores the enormous variety of maps both ancient and
modern, and includes the related history and politics that shaped mapmaking.
Each of the six half-hour programs focuses on a single theme.
For centuries navies lost more ships on the rocks offshore than they did to
enemies. In Normandy before D-Day there was a plot to chart the beaches of this
vital coastline. Maritime maps are still vital as the sea continually shifts its
beds and shorelines.