As geographer to the French king, Philippe Buache experimented with techniques for communicating scientific discoveries about the world. In making this map, he first developed the method of contour lines to show the depth of the English Channel. His commitment to these contours even extended outside of the edge of the map itself as the contour of the lowest shelf slips off the map into the margin of the page.
The First Contour Lines Look Down
| Artist | Philippe Buache |
|---|---|
| Title | “Carte Physique ou Géographie Naturelle de la France” in Cartes et tables de la géographie physique ou naturelle |
| Year | 1770 |
| Dimensions | 39 x 50 cm |
| Medium | Hand-colored engraving |
| Location | David Rumsey Historical Map Collection |