The map of Vitoria of Dionisio Casañal (1888)

Abstract

At the mid-19th century Spanish cities began to have a significant growth, and the Government issued several acts that established instruments - both geometrical and alignments – that facilitate the understanding of the urban morphology and which should serve to prepare urban renovations requiring by these growth. Many town councils commissioned the formation of these planes during the second half of the century. In the specific case of Vitoria, the geometric plane made by Dionisio Casañal in 1888 is a prime example: it was the Cartographic base of pre-projects and projects of “ensanche” developed until the mid-20th century and it was also a valuable tool for urban policy for decades.