In the sixteenth century, European rulers attempting toconsolidate their power realized that better knowledge oftheir lands would strengthen their control over them. By1550, the cartographer's art had already become an importantinstrument for bringing territories under the control ofcentralized government; increasing governmental reliance onmaps stimulated the refinement of cartographic techniquesthroughout the following century. This volume, a detailed survey of the political uses ofcartography between 1400 and 1700 in Italy, France, England, Poland, Austria, and Spain, answers these questions: Whendid monarchs and ministers begin to perceive that maps couldbe useful in government? For what purposes were mapscommissioned? How accurate and useful were they? How didcartographic knowledge strengthen the hand of government?The chapters offer new insights into the development ofcartography and its role in European history. Contributors to the volume are John Marino, PeterBarber, David Buisseret, Geoffrey Parker, James Vann, andMichael J. Mikos."