The Chart of the world, a cartographic production by Hermann Berghaus, underwent at least twelve editions between 1863 and 1924. This publication solidified his reputation within the field of geography, establishing a standard for land representation that persisted well into the early twentieth century long after his career concluded in the Kingdom of Prussia.
Professional Formation and Early Training
Born in 1828 in Herford, Berghaus pursued an education centered on technical mapping skills. Between 1845 and 1850, he attended the Geographische Kunstschule, known as the Geographical School of Art. During this formative period, he studied under his uncle, Heinrich Berghaus, who provided the foundational knowledge that would shape his approach to surveying and geographical documentation.
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The majority of his professional life took place within the Geographical Institute of Justus Perthes located in Gotha. This facility served as the hub for his most significant outputs, including his detailed maps and atlases. His contributions extended to various thematic works, such as the Physical wall map of Africa, released in 1881, and his supervision of the 1886 revision of the Physikalischer Atlas, a complex undertaking involving numerous specialists.
Academic Recognition and Appointments
His efforts in geography and cartography earned him institutional honors and academic appointments. In 1868, the Philosophical Faculty of the University of Königsberg granted him an honorary doctorate. His standing among international peers grew, leading to the receipt of a gold medal at the 1881 cartographers' congress in Venice. By 1885, Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, appointed him to the rank of professor. He also held membership in the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
Fast facts
- Born: 1828, Herford
- Died: 1890, Gotha
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- Occupations: Surveyor, geographer, cartographer
- Notable work: Chart of the world
- Notable work: Physical wall map of Africa (1881)
- Membership: German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
Questions readers ask
Where did Hermann Berghaus spend most of his career?
He worked as a cartographer at the Geographical Institute of Justus Perthes in Gotha.
What major project did he oversee in 1886?
He supervised the revision of the Physikalischer Atlas, which was originally authored by his uncle, Heinrich Berghaus.
Achievements
- Recorded as cartographer, geographer and surveyor
