What do the common Sanborn map abbreviations mean?
Sanborn maps originated in 1867 and continued to be published until the 1960s, providing a rich historical resource for urban studies and fire insurance assessments.
The maps specifically used color coding to indicate building materials; for example, red typically represented brick, yellow was used for frame construction, and blue indicated stone.
The abbreviation "b" on Sanborn maps stands for brick, while "s" denotes stone, and "wd" signifies wood, allowing users to quickly assess the construction materials of buildings.
Many abbreviations referred to types of structures, such as "d" for dwelling, "t" for store, and "m" for manufacturing, which is crucial for understanding urban landscapes.
The maps were essential for fire insurance companies as they evaluated risk based on the materials and configurations of buildings, impacting insurance policies significantly.
Sanborn maps are drawn to a standard scale, often 50 feet to an inch, providing precise details that urban planners still reference today for historical development research.
The abbreviation "wc" stands for water closet, highlighting the common inclusion of plumbing information, which is vital for understanding sanitation and infrastructure development.
Other common terms included "f" for frame, which indicates wood construction traditionally associated with less fire resistance.
Sanborn maps provide detailed information about street widths, door placements, and window styles, which urban historians analyze when reconstructing historical city layouts.
The maps also showcased the locations of fire hydrants and alarm boxes, reflecting how cities planned for fire safety during the time they were published.
Researchers can find various online archives that display Sanborn maps, many of which include searchable databases making it easier to find specific locations and periods.
The standardization of abbreviations on Sanborn maps was consistent across the United States, allowing for comparative analysis of urban development trends in different cities.
Some maps contained detailed annotations about significant residents or historical events, adding layers of context to the physical layout of urban environments.
Sanborn maps were used extensively by genealogists to trace family histories, as they often noted the construction dates of dwellings alongside property ownership.
The Sanborn Map Company issued revisions of the maps regularly, documenting changes such as new construction or demolitions, reflecting urban growth and decline.
Some cities have focused preservation efforts to maintain the historic neighborhoods depicted in Sanborn maps, illustrating the maps' continued relevance to urban heritage discussions.
The maps transitioned into digital formats in recent decades, facilitating access to historical urban data for researchers worldwide.
While primarily used for insurance purposes, Sanborn maps have become an invaluable resource in fields such as archaeology, environmental studies, and architectural history.
Understanding Sanborn map abbreviations and symbols is essential for accurately interpreting the complexities of urban development as it unfolded over time.
Deciphering Sanborn maps can reveal patterns of socioeconomic change in urban areas, such as how industrialization influenced architectural choices and urban layouts.