Sandborn Fire Insurance Map of Charlotte, NC

The Sanborn Map Company, founded in 1867 by Daniel Alfred Sanborn, was originally created to assist fire insurance companies in assessing building materials and potential hazards (PennState). These maps became indispensable tools for urban planning, real estate, and historical research. Sanborn maps were known for their meticulous detail, precise measurements, and innovative use of color coding, which evolved over time to enhance readability and effectiveness. This particular map was made in 1905 for the city of Charlotte, detailing building materials, street layouts, and property uses (DC.Lib). The color-coded sections represent different building materials: yellow for wood, red for brick, and blue for stone or concrete, which helped insurers evaluate fire hazards. The map reflects Charlotte's early 20th-century urban structure, with a dense commercial core and expanding residential areas, likely depicting an area in uptown (though I was unable to figure out where in Charlotte specifically). The ornate typography and meticulous layout exemplify the precision and craftsmanship characteristic of Sanborn maps, which were essential urban planning and historical documentation tools (Bibliodyssey).
One of the most striking design elements of this map is its typography, particularly in the title. The bold blackletter lettering is reflective of early 20th-century design aesthetics, giving the map a formal and professional quality to it. Sanborn map illustrators placed great emphasis on ornate typography and is exemplified in this document, where multiple typefaces are used throughout the page. The smaller text primarily utilizes a serif font, ensuring readability while maintaining a classic look. The "INDEX" heading, in contrast, uses  a wide, blocky typeface that is large and bold enough to be read from a distance, emphasizing its importance in navigating the detailed information below. 
Given the extensive amount of information that must be conveyed on a single page, the layout plays a crucial role in maintaining clarity. The index is strategically positioned in the lower third of the page, allowing for a neatly organized filing of information without any distractions from color or graphics. This ensures that the data remains easily accessible and legible. The use of color, however, plays a significant role in distinguishing different types of buildings and materials. With that in mind, color was not introduced to Sanborn maps until 1904, making this a relatively recent innovation at the time (Sanborn). This addition enhanced the clarity and usability of the maps, enabling quicker assessments of fire risks. 
Beyond its practical function, this map serves as a historical artifact, offering insights into Charlotte's urban development at the turn of the century. It captures the city’s architectural landscape, infrastructure, and zoning patterns, providing valuable information for historians and urban planners. The high level of detail and artistic care shown in the design highlights the blend of functionality and aesthetics that characterized Sanborn maps. Their precision and beauty make them not only essential tools as maps but also significant contributions to the history of cartography and design.

Sources: 

Google search. (n.d.). https://sanborn.com/about/

Insurance maps of Charlotte, North Carolina, May 1905: North Carolina maps. (n.d.).

https://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/1990/rec/12 

Library guides: Maps & Geospatial: Sanborn maps: The Sanborn map company. (2024, August 29).

https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/c.php?g=342370&p=2305670
Sanborn fire insurance map typography. (2011, February 14). BibliOdyssey.

https://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2011/02/sanborn-fire-insurance-map-typography.html