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Deep Dive / Mapping Modernity / Undercurrent

8. Dijken der polderdistricten

Normalisation and regulation of the Rhine From 1765, the Rhineland surveyor and cartographer Melchior Bolstra initiated a systematic mapping of the Rhine. The river is measured in a standardised way and the symbolism on maps is normalised. This standardisation made far-reaching plans for regulation possible. The river is measured using standardised techniques, and the map symbols are normalised. This drive towards standardisation played a pivotal role in enabling the regulation and management of the River.