[ianh]

This is an interesting site that lets you view old NZ topo maps: http://mapspast.org.nz/
Makes me wonder if anyone has ever tried to get copies of tramper’s old sketch maps that were used before detailed topo mapping was done in places like the Tararuas. Would make an interesting book in the same vein as the club’s SK book.

Ian.

[Ray]

Thanks for this post Ian. I have just spent quite a bit of time looking at the 1959 map in the Tararuas. Absolutely fascinating! A couple of interesting things I noted: Cone Hut used to be called Sherwood Hut, Smith Creek shelter is marked a a Whare. There were difinitely a lot less huts around in those days. The name of Atiwhataku stream was Mangateretereatiwhatiku!

Ray

[Matt]

Re: old trampers maps.

Matt (from mapspast) here. As well as the complete map series which are on mapspast, the main thing I’m working on is the ability of anyone to be able to upload individual maps to the site. It’s be really great to have a single place for all these old resources that you mention, such as that below (Griddlestone Track, 1927)

http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/content-aggregator/getIEs?system=ilsdb&id=1610917

This will work easily for maps in known projections, which can be georeferenced as part of the upload process and displayed ‘in the correct place’ against current maps / air photos. I’m also beginning to think that also allowing non-georeferenced maps (such as the sketch maps you mention) might be worthwhile too though. Thoughts are welcome – here or on mapspast.org.nz -> menu -> discuss.

Cheers for the support and the mention.

Matt

[Author]

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