Jiří CAJTHAML

How to georeference old maps?

Cajthaml, J.: How to georeference old maps? Kartografické listy, 2013, 21 (2).

Abstract: The article is focused on basic principles of old map georeferencing. Complete process of georeferencing including used reference coordinate system determining, collection of ground control points and image transformation is described. As the main parameter the appropriate transformation method choice is identified. Both global and local transformation methods are briefly introduced. Besides, alternative transformation methods are described. The new proposed method is designed for old map series when the seamless map creation is required. Method uses overall adjustment of transformation parameters with constraints of identity of shared map sheet edges. This method was tested on the maps of the First Military Mapping Survey of Habsburg Empire using affine and second order polynomial transformations. The first results of this testing are promising. Seamless map of the Usti region was created and can be used in environmental applications, such as landscape reconstruction of vanished municipalities.

Keywords: georeferencing, old maps, image transformation, map series