Karttalevyt

Karttalevyt, often translated as "map plates" or "chart plates," are a historical cartographic product primarily associated with Finland. These were not printed maps in the modern sense but rather large, often hand-drawn or lithographed, sheets intended for detailed depiction of terrain, property boundaries, and geographical features. They served practical purposes for land surveying, military planning, and administrative purposes.

The creation of karttalevyt was a labor-intensive process, requiring skilled draftsmen and surveyors. They were typically produced at a larger scale than general-purpose maps, allowing for a high degree of detail. While not mass-produced for public sale in the way contemporary atlases or road maps are, they were commissioned by government bodies, landowners, and military units. Their primary function was to provide an accurate and detailed representation of specific geographical areas.

The term "karttalevy" suggests a solid, durable format, hinting at their use as reference documents. They played a crucial role in the historical development of Finland's land management and infrastructure. Examples of karttalevyt can be found in archives, providing valuable insights into the historical landscape and surveying techniques of the period. Their significance lies in their detailed representation of the land and their contribution to the administrative and economic development of the regions they depicted.