OverviewPeople travel to Normandy, France, to see its monuments, museums, natural wonders and villages, but the main attraction has always been Normandy’s historical sites. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, under the command of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, invaded France. This was the first invasion of mainland Europe by the Allies after Germany had installed a puppet government in France. It’s one of history’s most significant battles. Touring Normandy’s historical sites covers a wide territory, and there are many types of maps to help navigate the region and to illuminate its various aspects.
HistoryPeople travel to Normandy, France, to see its monuments, museums, natural wonders and villages, but the main attraction has always been Normandy’s historical sites. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, under the command of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, invaded France. This was the first invasion of mainland Europe by the Allies after Germany had installed a puppet government in France. It’s one of history’s most significant battles. Touring Normandy’s historical sites covers a wide territory, and there are many types of maps to help navigate the region and to illuminate its various aspects.
EvolutionThe current range of maps available for Normandy illustrates the evolution of cartography. Whereas at one time a map was considered data, now geo-spatial statistics (a combination of spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic data) are what drive the creation of the map. This is a far cry from the mid-20th century maps of Normandy that were painstakingly drawn by hand by scribes and artists.
FunctionWhile maps of Normandy can be masterpieces of cartographic detail, most tourists want a map that functions as an overview and introduction to the region. Cartographics (see Resources below) has a map that strikes the balance between information and clarity, providing enough landmarks to tour the different sites of historical significance without going into a depth of detail. People driving through the region will require a road map in addition to this more basic tourist map.
Expert InsightCharles Messenger researched and wrote the definitive book about the territories of Normandy. The D-Day Atlas: Anatomy of the Normandy Campaign includes 71 full color maps, many of which were used by the Allies in 1944. The maps are supplemented by photographs and commissioned reconstruction drawings that chronicle Normandy’s history. For people who travel to Normandy specifically to understand its historical relevance, this book provides intensive analysis from multiple perspectives. The maps are extremely detailed, showing small roads and significant buildings.
Resources: Cartographics tourist map of Normandy’s historical sitesBy: Serena Makofsky
Serena Makofsky has covered fringe theater in London, casinos in Vegas, Tiki bars in Los Angeles and ancient ruins in Oaxaca. She has had plays produced in New York, Canada and Portland. She writes travel features for Aishti, Flying Adventures and IQrious.Read Next 5 Articles
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