Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Historical Cartography
Learn to interpret old maps as windows to other eras, unraveling the evolution of territories, cities, and cultures. Delve into the drawing and representation techniques used by cartographers of yesteryear, and understand the…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course in Historical Cartography?
Discover the secrets of the past with our Historical Cartography course.
Learn to interpret old maps as windows to other eras, unraveling the evolution of territories, cities, and cultures. Delve into the drawing and representation techniques used by cartographers of yesteryear, and understand the social, political, and economic context that shaped each map.
Key Benefits
- Detailed Analysis: Master the reading and interpretation of historical maps from various periods and regions.
- Historical Context: Understand the relationship between cartography and the historical events that influenced its creation.
- Representation Techniques: Explore the drawing, projection, and symbolism techniques used in early cartography.
- Heritage Appreciation: Appreciate the cultural and heritage value of historical maps as unique documents.
- Practical Applications: Use your knowledge in historical research, genealogy, heritage management, and cultural tourism.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the fundamentals: Learn the essential techniques of historical cartography, from data collection to visual representation.
- Unravel the past: Analyze historical maps to understand the evolution of territories, cities, and cultures over time.
- Tools and resources: Discover primary sources, specialized software, and research methods for in-depth analysis.
- Practical applications: Use historical cartography in research projects, heritage management, and cultural outreach.
- Critical thinking: Develop an analytical perspective to interpret and evaluate the information contained in historical maps.
- Acquire the skills to interpret the past through its cartographic representations.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of historical cartography, construction of space and evolution of the representation of the world
- Historical mapping concept: definition, disciplinary scope and documentary value for the study of the past
- Origin of spatial representation: first forms of orientation, symbolic maps and ancient territorial schemes
- Map functions in history: administration, navigation, political control, religion, trade and propaganda
- Evolution of the conception of geographic space: from the mythical world to the measured and systematized territory
- Relationship between cartography, power and knowledge: maps as instruments of domain, legitimation and organisation of the territory
02
Ancient and medieval cartography: geographic traditions, cosmographies and first systematic territorial representations
- Cartography in ancient civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and their contributions to territorial representation
- Classical geography and scientific heritage: Ptolemy, coordinates, early projections and models of the Ecumene
- Medieval symbolic and religious cartography: T-O maps, Mappae Mundi and theological vision of the world
- Cartographic traditions of the Islamic and Asian world: transmission of knowledge, trade routes and descriptive refinement
- Portulans and medieval nautical charts: coastal precision, navigation and expansion of maritime knowledge
03
Cartography of the age of discoveries and imperial expansion: navigation, borders and construction of the modern world
- Nautical and cartographic revolution of the 15th and 16th centuries: ocean exploration, astronomical observation and route control
- Cartography of discoveries: new lands, reconfiguration of the known world and transformation of global maps
- Imperial and colonial cartography: domain delimitation, borderline and overseas territorial administration
- Atlas, Planispheres and Schools European Cartographic: Technical Innovation, Dissemination of Knowledge and Geopolitical Competence
- Relationship between cartography and navigation: sea charts, paths, scales and precision for ocean control
04
Techniques, languages and methods of interpretation of historical maps: projections, symbology, scale and critical analysis
- Formal elements of the historical map: title, legend, scale, orientation, symbology and material support
- Cartographic projections and their historical impact: representation, distortion and political or scientific purpose
- Toponymy, iconography and visual language: names, illustrations, ornaments and messages on the map
- Critical reading of the cartographic document: authorship, production context, intention and circulation of the map
- Comparison between maps of different periods: territorial changes, technical evolution and reinterpretation of space
05
Final project of analysis, interpretation and reconstruction of a relevant historical case
- Selection of the case study: map, atlas, nautical chart or cartographic set with historical and territorial relevance
- Historical contextualization of the document: author, date, purpose, circulation and political, economic and cultural framework
- Technical-cartographic analysis of the selected material: scale, projection, symbology, toponymy and representation criteria
- Interpretation of territorial and historical content: spatial changes, messages of power and documentary value of the map
- Preparation of Final Report: Academic Structure, Comparative Analysis, Conclusions and Critical Apparatus
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Historians and archaeologists who wish to interpret old maps as primary sources for understanding territorial evolution and human settlements. Geographers and cartographers interested in analyzing the accuracy and biases of historical cartography, as well as its influence on the perception of space. Archivists and librarians responsible for the preservation and cataloging of old map collections,
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
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Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Interpreting old maps to understand territorial evolution
- 02Reconstructing past trade routes and itineraries
- 03Locate and analyze vanished human settlements through mapping
- 04Understanding ancient cartographic symbology to decipher hidden information
- 05Anticipating and understanding environmental changes and historical natural disasters
- 06Reveal military and defensive strategies employed in the past
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Specialized Archivist/Librarian: cataloging, conservation, and digitization of historical maps.
02Researcher/Academic: spatial analysis of historical data, publication of articles and books.
03Cultural Heritage Consultant: advising on the preservation and enhancement of historical cartography.
04Specialized Cartographer/GIS Specialist: creation of digital historical maps, integration of historical data into GIS.
05Collection Manager: administration of cartographic collections in museums, archives, or libraries.
06Editor/Publisher: production of historical maps for educational or commercial purposes.
07Tour Guide/Educator: design of routes and activities based on historical maps.
08Territorial Analyst/Urban Planner: use of Historical maps for land planning and management.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The evolution of the spatial representation of the world over time through ancient maps.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Historical maps.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile: Bachelor's/Undergraduate Degree in History, Geography, Archaeology, Archival Studies or related field; or accredited professional experience in historical research, cartography, or heritage management. Language proficiency: Recommended proficiency in ancient languages (Latin, Greek) or Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese) for the interpretation of documentary sources. Documentation: Updated CV, copy of degree, ID/Passport, cover letter, sample of previous work (articles, research projects, etc.). Technical requirements (for online
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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