The cartographic styles of Danube Delta

Abstract

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of 820 maps with a focus on the western coast of the Black Sea, from Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi to Cape Kaliakra, and gives special attention to the Danube Delta. The research highlights Pietro Vesconte’s critical role in the accurate depiction of the area and examines the stylistic developments over time and their effects on the mapping of the region. It also delves into the relationship between navigational practices and cartographic representation, noting the limited influence of Ottoman conquests on local mapping techniques. The study draws attention to a resurgence in the use of Ptolemaic principles, occurring simultaneously with the adoption of modern surveying techniques, such as triangulation. By concentrating on the Danube Delta and the adjacent coast of the Black Sea, the study provides a detailed understanding of the cartographic history of the area, highlighting the mix of precision and creative interpretation in maps.