| 摘要: | A total of 1,387 maps contained in 275 local gazetteers are examined. These 275 gazetteers are sampled out of 650 titles from the Ming dynasty available in Taiwan libraries. Several characteristic features can be generalized. More than ten different types of maps are recognized. All features on these maps are depicted by a dozen different cartographic symbols, including various dot, line and areal symbols. Nearly nine out of every ten maps are of a rectangular layout in order to fit with the book format of the gazetteers. A distinctive characteristic of the lettering is that most place names are enc10sed in rectangular boxes, a graphic feature which originated during the Tang dynasty and that was popularized in the Song dynasty. These maps are not based on precise scientific survey, but rather are drawn by freehand. They are not constructed according to the six cartographic principles out1ined by Pei Xiu, nor do they have the rectangular grids. Therefore, they represent a retrogression from the high quality of the Qin and Han maps discovered by Chinese archaeologists in 1986 and 1973 respectively. Nevertheless, they do provide a rich source of materials for historical geographers in the studies of historical reconstruction and geographical changes. |
