Maps - Admission/Application Essay Example

Considering the historical background of the place, depicted on the map, it should be stated that depiction of the military campaigns and battles could be regarded as the key trend of the epoch. The outburst of the American Revolution served as the stimulating impulse for the military cartography development, and the Barber’s map is often viewed by the researchers as one of the brightest instances the map making. As it is stated by Galie (378), similar maps often appeared in publishing, and were intended for the common use, while military maps contained information that was classified, and changed constantly (dispositions, maneuvers, and other operative information).

The key aim of this map is to keep the audience aware of the latest events. Since there were no instant communication services, and mass media were not able to arrange live reports, the maps like this one were regarded as the most effective way of communicating the military situation, as well as the latest events, to the audience. As it is stated by Kem (152), this map was created in 1776 after a series of decisive battles, after which the American troops managed to leave the Long Island and Manhattan.

The information that can be found on the map reveals several encampments, maneuvering and marching routes, as well as fortifications that played crucial role in the battles. Additionally, the map is supplemented with the chronological table of the events and interesting (for the audience) occurrences. As for the key reasons of publishing this map (which, in some terms duplicates numerous other prints and maps) was the fact, emphasized by Kem (111). Therefore, it is stated that the British army had a better-equipped and trained scouts and surveyors in comparison with the Americans.

Therefore, the cartography was essentially superior, and the maps like this one were the sign of the British pride for the successes in the battles. O'Brien (458) emphasizes that most maps produced by the British typists were aimed at celebrating the British victories. Considering the fact that the battles for the long Island and Manhattan are often viewed as the largest triumphs of the British troops, therefore, these battles are documented properly. Map Analysis Assuming that the New York battles are the subject of a particular pride for the British, Kem (109) presumes that J.

Barber is one of the British residents. Moreover, it is hard to assume that he was an ordinary reporter, as the character of the information, given below the map, signifies that he was close enough to the military society, since he points out the military reserves of both armies, and gives proper estimates of the human reserves (both British and Colonial). As for the map quality, and the cartographer, who created it, it should be emphasized that the map was not created from scratch, since similar maps can be found in other sources.

Additionally, O'Brien (426) argues that the position of the camps and marching routes are not accurate enough, hence, J. Barber relied on the approximate or unverified data, and his main aim was the creation of the informational background for the wide audience. The audience, in its turn, consisted of ordinary people, since the map is not intended for any specialized use: it lacks the legend, and there are no precise