Antique map of Tartary, Central Asia, 1706

Guillaume Delisle was a French cartographer who lived from 1675 to 1726. He was known for his accurate and detailed maps, and his works greatly contributed to the development of modern cartography. One of his notable maps is the "Carte de Tartarie" or the Map of Tartary, created in 1706.

The Map of Tartary was a significant achievement in mapping the region of Tartary, which encompassed a vast area in Central Asia. Delisle's map was based on extensive research and various sources available to him at the time, including accounts of travelers and merchants who had ventured into the region.

The map provided detailed information about the geography, topography, and settlements in Tartary. It included important cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and other notable landmarks. Delisle incorporated accurate longitude and latitude markings, which were relatively new in cartography at the time, making his map highly reliable.

Delisle's Carte de Tartarie was influential in shaping European understanding of the region during the 18th century. It's worth noting that the term "Tartary" was used in the past to describe a large, loosely defined region in Central and Inner Asia. It encompassed parts of present-day Russia, Mongolia, China, and other neighboring territories. However, the concept of Tartary as a distinct entity has largely fallen out of use in modern geography.

Guillaume Delisle (also spelled De l'Isle) was a prominent French cartographer who lived from 1675 to 1726. He is considered one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century and made significant contributions to the field of geography and mapmaking.

Delisle was born in Paris, France, into a family of cartographers. He initially trained as a historian and lawyer but later turned his attention to cartography. He became a member of the Académie Royale des Sciences and was appointed as the Premier Géographe du Roi (First Geographer to the King) by King Louis XV.

Delisle's cartographic works were known for their accuracy and attention to detail. He introduced several innovative techniques and improvements to mapmaking, including the use of longitude and latitude lines, a more precise measurement of scales, and the incorporation of new geographic information from explorers and travelers.

Some of Delisle's notable maps include the Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi (Map of Louisiana and the Course of the Mississippi) and the Carte de la Nouvelle-France (Map of New France). These maps provided significant insights into the geography of the Americas, particularly North America, during a time when knowledge of the continent was still evolving.

More maps of Guillaume Delisle