534. Genesis of a geographical tradition: atlas published by Tomás López, 1730-1802

Abstract

Along of the second half of century XVIII, Tomás López (1730-1802) published six atlas. The first three, the most basic and with which is given to know, does during its stage of pensioner in Paris (1752-1760). After his return to Madrid, he undertook the preparation of his Atlas Geográfico de España, an ambitious project to which he devoted three decades of his life (1760-1792); and in the twilight of his days he composed two anthologies, one universal (1792) and other historical (1801). This unique legacy, the first in our history, reveals the dawn of a professional practice of geography consisting in the iconographic representation of territorial knowledge. Furthermore, access and regular consultation by the society helped nurture and shape their geographical imagination. His invention is due to the change of sensitivity experienced by anxious rulers, eager to have greater and better geographic information of the country. The reception dispensed, beyond the nobility and authorities, was not very enthusiastic. On the other hand, the historiography has shown little generosity with his work, striving to highlight its shortcomings. These criticisms launched from the dogmatic assumption of the virtues of other methodological processes used in the display of this knowledge and his desire to deploy it in Spain. We lack of looks that, in addition to scrutinizing the map-territory relationship, unveil their political, social and ideological meanings.