British Urban Mapping of Waterways, Canals and Docks

Abstract

The development of water transport, particularly of dock provision, was a potent influence on the nature and structure of some British towns. The impact of this development has been recorded in the detailed mapping of water transport specifically and in the mapping of towns generally. The nature and extent of this mapping is analysed in order to assess the degree to which early maps can be used as sources for the history of urban water transport and its impact on the townscape.