ABSTRACT
The use of analogue historical maps is discussed using the example of cadastral maps from Denmark and Norway. It is demonstrated that digitalisation is a worthwhile undertaking, because the content of the maps is unique in relation to detail (a scale of 1:4,000) and historical situation around 1800 at a time when enclosure was changing the entire landscape. The transformation from raster maps to digital vector data is described and the problems involved in this are examined. Likewise, different methods of evaluating the process in relation to accuracy are discussed. Examples are given of how the digital data can be used in historical landscape research. Land use around 1800 is a topic that it is possible to illustrate and to calculate by means of vector data. In the same way, information on the soil quality integrated in the maps can be used to make thematic maps showing the status around 1800 and indicating where retrospective studies can be used to give further information on changes in settlement structure in the Middle Ages and Iron Age.
