Unknown to most researchers, the Newberry Library of Chicago holds over 12,000 atlases from around the world. The Franco Novacco Map Collection includes over 700 maps printed in Italy during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, one of the strongest such collections in the world.
The maps are highly valuable and delicate, so TDAG moved in our digitization equipment, lighting, workstations, and a team of three image technicians. Working very carefully to handle the fragile materials, the team was able to capture 2,500 images in less than 2 months.
The subject matter of the maps ranges from world, country, city, and special interest maps. Of special interest are the artwork and renderings of the various sea creatures and other mythical animals.
