3D
Cheltenham
This finished plan is attributable to Robert Dawson (1771-1860). The attribution rests on his distinctive portrayal of relief. A dark wash is used for the lowland areas followed by bands of lighter colour, graduating to almost colourless at the top of hills - a technique that produces a strongly three-domensional effect. Black-ink numbers, clearly visible on the high spots, indicate the relative height of the hills: Hill 8 being higher than Hill 5. This method of notating contour, combined with brushwork interlining ('hachuring') drawn to indicate the steepness of relief, precedes the official introduction of contouring on Ordnance Survey maps in 1839-40. Rows of small neat trees depicting orchards proliferate around the Vale of Gloucester, at the top left of this map.
The British Library1811
1811