The difficulty in using the NTS maps for dating purposes is the
'palimpsest' nature of the data they contain. The date on the map only
tells you so much (and often little) about the date of the info. it
contains. Unless a full study is done (and available archival material
at
the producers showing genesis of the changes is available) it is often
difficult to know what was revised when.
For instance, most of the recent so-called 'revisions' of the NTS sheets
are done at the time of restocking and consist largely of updating the
current standards of metrication, bi-lingualism, etc. Opportunity is
often taken to do any recent major road changes and some changes to
toponymy, but rarely are 'cultural' or topographic details updated from
new photography.
In recent editions in Nova Scotia I have noted a
REDUCTION in detail as evidence of types of factory, rural post offices,
churches, etc.. have been eliminated!
iain Taylor
Halifax, NS
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