Date of Award
8-17-2006
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The evolution of early cartographic conceptions of Alaska is marked by rises and falls in the advancement of knowledge, due to factors including the power of cartographers to perpetuate geographic speculation, unsuccessful expeditions of exploration, bureaucratic policies of secrecy, and purposeful deceit. This thesis examines that evolution, from the first appearance of western North America on world maps in the sixteenth century, through Russian expeditions to the region, to Captain James Cook's accurate mapping of the extent of Alaska in the eighteenth century, analyzing the factors that influenced Alaska's cartographic depictions and the real-life implications of those depictions. The maps that preceded Cook's are highlighted, placing Cook's cartographic contributions in context.
Recommended Citation
Sherman, Neva, "The illusion of knowledge: the evolution of early cartographic conceptions of Alaska" (2006). Arctic and Northern Studies. 14.
https://ualaska.researchcommons.org/uaf_grad_arctic_northern/14
Handle
http://hdl.handle.net/11122/5812