Glossary of map makers terms

ARMORIAL
A symbol, usually a shield bearing a coat-of-arms.
AGE-TONING
The darkening of paper over time. May also be indicative of inferior paper quality or poor storage conditions
BURIN
An engraver's tool used to incise lines on a metal plate.Also known as a graver.
CARTOUCHE
An ornamental device usually enclosing the title of the map and other relevant information. These can be either highly decorative incorporating scrolls, figures, garlands etc. or else very simple.
FOXING
Brownish spots on paper caused by damp or impurities in the paper.
HYDROGRAPHER
Maker of marine charts
HUNDRED
Local area defined for administrative purposes on a county map, dating from the 11th century. In Yorkshire Hundreds were known as Wapentakes and in Kent, Lathes.
IMPRESSION
Each individual print of a map or other image is an impression. Refers also to the quality of the printing, eg. "a good impression"
IMPRINT
Information regarding publisher's name, date of publication etc. usually found below the printed image.
INTAGLIO
An incised printing surface, ie. engraving on a copper or steel plate.
LAID DOWN
A print or map which has been stuck to another surface such as card.
LATITUDE
Angular distance, measured on a meridian, with zero at the equator and 90 degrees at each pole.
LONGITUDE
Angular distance, measured westward from a prime (zero) meridian.
MARGIN
That area of the paper outside of the printed image
NEATLINE
The printed line that defines the outer edge of a map
OFFSETTING
Image or part of an image tranferred from one surface to another
PLATE-MARK
An incised line between the margin and the edge of a map or print defining the edge of the actual printing plate caused by the pressure of the press on the plate.
RECTO
The front surface of a map or other printed image.
RELIEF PRINTING
Print taken from a raised surface such as a woodblock or woodcut.
RE-STRIKE
A modern impression taken from an old printing plate
SHOW-THROUGH
Printing on one side of a sheet of paper which is visible from the other side
VERSO
The reverse side of a map or other printed image.
WORMING
Holes made in paper by the larvae of insects