"Map of Northern and Central Spain for WSS" Topic

I am currently working on a map for northern and central Spain to be used for campaigns in the War of the Spanish Succession. The map has been overlaid with 5/8" hexes. Each hex represents about 9 miles. The map is a modified form of the Somers map of 1708. I am still revising the map and trying to make it easier to read (the original was printed in an old script font where the s's look like long f's). I will go through and retype each town and village that was significant during the war. I did try to compare this map with the Nantiat map of the Napoleonic period but but the two are not similar. Towns of importance shown on the 1708 map are often absent fro the later map and visa versa. Roads are shown but once again, they differ between the two maps. First the whole map thus far (low resolution):

and a detail:

Cheers!

Gallo

So…where did u get the map from?

Hi Dave,

You can find the map here:

link

I called the map the Somers map, but I think it is more correct to refer to it as the Senex map.

Cheers!

Gallo

Very impressive effort though I'm not sure these old eyes are up to it.

Hello Shagnasty,

I know what you mean about older eyes. My eyes have also seen their better days. This map is a bit difficult to read and I will have to refer to newer maps while I use this one. I just like the idea of using a map from 1708 for a campaign. I find it amusing to read the old spellings for various Spanish towns. In fact, I plan to use this same map for both WSS and Napoleonic Wars. I think a campaign map doesn't have to be too detailed. I will probably rely on more accurate maps for actual battles.

Cheers!

Gallo

I, too, like the old style maps. This one is lovely. I've just finished a book on the WSS in Spain (Marlborough's Other Army) and can see the campaign possibilities. Have fun!

I once toyed with the idea of running a Napoleonic Peninsular campaign. During my planning, and reading Oman, it became clear that having a map and understanding the geography were wildly different realities. The Spaniards had nearly perfect understanding of the terrain, not based on maps, but on the knowledge of the local populace.

The French had nearly no info on the terrain. Even with maps showing a road between Alba and Barriez it didn't explain that near the crest of the Cerritos Ridge the road narrowed to a goat path, and what promised to be a 3 day journey telescopes to 12. Once the French find this out it becomes part of their permanent knowledge base, much good it will do them.

Fog of map.

Hi Shag,

I am using "Marlborough's Other Army" as a way of proofing my map. Man! That book sure has the info on the numbers of troops on the units and in the many battles. I am trying to find all the towns and cities that are on Dorrell's map pages. Since this map does not include Southern Spain, I will not be looking for Gibraltar. That part of Spain will be on a map to be completed later.

Cheers!

Gallo

Yes, good point, HMS Exeter. The purpose of my campaign map is to generate tabletop battles. I know realism will have to take a backseat. The example you gave is quite appropriate. The Senex map shows only the better roads of 1708 Spain. There is no indication how difficult the rough terrain would be. I think I am putting fun" way above accuracy but that is my way. Perhaps I could create some kind of system where one has to draw cards to simulate "fog of map" factors. I suppose weather could be included here. I have a feeling some board games already include this. I'll have to look into it.

Cheers!

Gallo