An impressive manuscript map made by a student draftsman, probably a young military officer, probably to demonstrate his capacities as a formally trained mapmaker.

The map encompasses a diverse range of mapmaking skills, such as rendering fortifications, topography, land cover, urban and rural areas, and constructing an aesthetically-pleasing decorative cartouche.

The author has accomplished his task to an impressive level of finish; this is a nice example of its kind.

For a similar, but more complex example of this type of map, see our Carte d'etude.

This type of mapmaking was an important part of officer training in the 18th and 19th century, particularly in the French, British, and German militaries.