We digitise thousands of historic maps every year and never tire of poring over the fascinating visual stories they tell. More often than not these maps are part of a wider collection and, as such, represent important contextual information. They are often in poor condition, fragile, and at risk of their unique historical perspective being lost for good. Our 20 years experience of handling this type of material ensures that this doesn't happen.
Maps & Plans Digitisation
Ship's Plan - Digitised 2019
Maps & Plans Digitisation
Such is our commitment to preserving this cartographic heritage that we recently launched a new service, MapChest. Unlike other online map shops, MapChest is built on the principle of vendor collections. This means that once we have digitised your collection we are able, if appropriate, to offer an income-generating platform. We are also happy to take in map collections that have already been digitised.
We extend these same techniques and expertise to digitising architectural plans and drawings. One of our longstanding customers, Foster + Partners, use our services primarily in support of their marketing activities. Also, we have seen a marked increase in plans digitisation in response to the government's Building Information Modelling (BIM) initiative. To digitise historic plans is to unlock the decision-making process around previous developments, and to take guidance from this information. The BIM 4 Heritage group has more information on this.
If you'd like to get in touch to find out more about our services please use the buttons below or call us on 020 8309 5445
Testimonials
I have worked with Max Communications and the team for some years. In recent work with their Archivematica iteration in the College Archives and Corporate Records Unit, and other digital work required by varying cohorts in Imperial, Max Communications have been responsive, innovative and demonstrated great problem-solving abilities. The Max Communications team, from the top down, is approachable, friendly and keen to help.
An example is in their engagement for some major confidential scanning projects. The projects were discussed, scoped and agreed to a high standard of hand scanning. Benchmarking was agreed to our satisfaction when the project started, with a fast progress time for the work. They provided rapid access to files, including digitising out of sequence, e.g. one such turn around for hand scanning, editing and proofing a large file was within 3 hours. The digital delivery was by secure online transfer, and the hard disks and hard copy delivered securely by courier.
On a lighter note, digitisation of 1960s academic cine film was carried out promptly and to a high standard, such that it can be reshown at a major conference
--Anne Barrett | College Archivist & Corporate Records Manager | Imperial College London
Ship's Plan - Digitised 2019