An unsuccessful Spanish cartographical project of the eighteenth century: New data on the plan-relief Ministry of Charles III

Abstract

This article considers the fate of an ambitious cartographical project promoted by Charles III during the last quarter of the eighteenth century that aimed to create a collection of models, or plans-reliefs, of the Spanish kingdom’s principal fortresses. Analysis of the extant manuscripts reveals the importance this project held for Charles III’s government from the outset, although it came to an end once the first model (a plan-relief of Cadiz) had been completed. The reasons for the abrupt termination of the project are discussed. © 2016 Imago Mundi Ltd.