O Mapa das Cortes: perspectivas cartográficas

Abstract

In this paper, we present a thorough analysis of the Map of the Courts based on criteria used in cartography, particularly mathematical cartography. As such, it takes into account the following elements: author, scale, projection, the prime meridian, colors, conventions, symbology, and other. After a qualitative morphological analysis, we move on to a quantitative examination by comparing the said map with a quite accurate present-day chart, using a digital cartography software application and spreadsheet to match the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) of over 430 points. The systematic and detailed quantification of errors in various areas, from the Atlantic coast to the Amazon region, revealed surprising aspects as to how skillfully the Map of the Courts was constructed. This analysis enabled us to quantify the distortions more accurately and thus identify the locations where they were introduced as well their unquestionable intentional character.