Landmark Base Point Approach to Positional Accuracy Analysis for Historical Geographic Map Applications Before WWI: A case study 1914 German Blue and 1836 Moltke about in Historical Peninsula of Istanbul

Abstract

Abstract Thanks to advances in current technology and computer software, mathematical computations and engineering applications that used to require hours or even days can now be performed quickly. Cartography, unquestionably one of the world's oldest branches of scientific study, is among the fields that have been most influenced by technological improvements. These improvements have enhanced interest in historical maps while also paving the way for modern mapping. All of this process has created new topics of study for cartographers. Also, it is possible to examine old maps using the Map Analyst software which can enable the investigation of time dependent changes. Helmert, Affine and Huber loss function as robust estimation method were analysed. Thanks to the distortion grids, it can be observed in which region the movement is denser. In this study, by using 29 absolute tie points, the old Istanbul maps (the German Blue maps produced in 1913-1914 and the Moltke maps produced in 1836-1837) were compared with the new maps. Additionally, it is aimed to observe the change in the field of cartography with the opportunities offered by the latest software and to provide support to reliable data. It has been observed that a comparison can be made by using the points on the historical maps of Istanbul with the corresponding points on a new contemporary map.