Old bird's eye view of the town, harbours and forts of Odessa, 1855

N. Whittock's 1855 "Birds-Eye View of the Town, Harbours & Forts of Odessa" is a detailed and artistically rendered map capturing the strategic and cultural significance of Odessa, a prominent port city on the Black Sea. This map, derived from the Imperial Survey of the Ports of the Black Sea, offers a comprehensive and visually engaging portrayal of Odessa during the mid-19th century, a period marked by its rapid development and strategic importance.

The map is drawn from an elevated, bird’s-eye perspective, providing a panoramic view of the city, its harbors, and surrounding forts. This perspective allows for a detailed representation of the urban layout, harbor structures, and fortifications.
The three-dimensional view offers a vivid and dynamic sense of the city’s geography and architecture.

Odessa’s grid-like street plan is clearly depicted, highlighting major thoroughfares, public squares, and notable buildings. Important streets and landmarks are labeled for easy identification. Prominent buildings such as the Odessa Opera House, the Potemkin Stairs, and various administrative and commercial structures are prominently featured.

The map focuses on Odessa’s bustling harbors, showcasing the extensive docks, warehouses, and shipping facilities that supported the city’s role as a major Black Sea port. The arrangement of ships in the harbor, piers, and loading areas are meticulously detailed, emphasizing the city’s maritime activities and commercial significance. 

Surrounding forts and defensive structures are highlighted, reflecting the city’s strategic military importance. These include fortifications designed to protect the city and its harbors from potential naval and land attacks. The positioning of these forts provides insights into the military strategies and defensive capabilities of the period.

N. Whittock’s work exemplifies the high level of detail and artistry characteristic of mid-19th century cartography. The bird’s-eye view technique offers a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the city, making the map both an informative guide and a piece of art.
The map’s accuracy and detail reflect the advanced surveying techniques and cartographic skills of the period, making it a significant achievement in historical mapping.

N. Whittock’s 1855 "Birds-Eye View of the Town, Harbours & Forts of Odessa" is a richly detailed and artistically rendered map that captures the essence of Odessa during a pivotal time in its history. Through its detailed urban layout, depiction of harbors and fortifications, and artistic embellishments, the map provides a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the city. It serves as an invaluable historical document, a testament to the cartographic skill of the period, and a fascinating resource for historians, researchers, and map enthusiasts.