The Map Room

The University of Oregon team that brought us the Nolli Map of Rome has something new for us: Imago Urbis: Giuseppe Vasi’s Grand Tour of Rome, which links Giambattista Nolli’s 1748 map of Rome with Vasi’s contemporary etchings of Rome’s architectural landscape. The interface blends the two artists’ work: click the icons on the interactive version of Nolli’s map and see Vasi’s images. From the Web site: “The reciprocity between Vasi’s views and the Nolli map enables one to enter into, and examine Rome in detail, including many neglected corners of the Settecento city. Passing from map to view and from view to map, one can reconstruct 18th century sites that have since changed completely or entirely disappeared.” More from the Eugene, Oregon Register-Guard.

Previously: Interactive Nolli Map; Nolli Map Prints For Sale.

Giambattista Nolli’s 1748 map of Rome was the subject of a major web project by the University of Oregon that launched last year; a print of the map is now available for sale through that same web site. Even the special release price of $85 is not exactly cheap, but it looks like a quality reproduction to say the least: digitally remastered, high-quality paper. And, even at two-thirds the original size, it’s still a big map, at 114 cm × 133 cm. Thanks to John Emerson for the link.

Previously: Interactive Nolli Map.

Giambattista Nolli’s 1748 map of Rome was a masterpiece: it was detailed, accurate and eschewed the prevailing “bird’s-eye” perspective for an overhead view. Researchers at the University of Oregon has put together a major web site on Nolli’s map, complete with background and research papers. Most notable, though, is its map engine, a Flash-based application that allows you to superimpose layers on Nolli’s map, with adjustable transparency. But the best part is the satellite layer: make it semitransparent and see just how well Nolli’s map holds up, 257 years later. Thanks again to peacay.

DigitalGlobe’s Vatican Gallery, including a satellite shot of St. Peter’s square on April 5 (1.5 MB JPEG, 2168×2164 resolution), showing mourners in line to view the Pope’s body. Via Jason.