Characteristics of the positional errors of historical maps

Data are traditionally evaluated using well-defined data models. But results may be variable if the data are not homogenised or standardised. Comparison of actual data with reference data presents a data model which supposes no error. The problem with evaluating positional quality, especially of maps, is a lack of temporal quality, therefore the reference points for evaluation should be chosen very carefully. The researched data are historical maps, where the data model and the character of quality parameters are more complex, and include subjective factors and uncertainties. The study account for space and time; consider the historians, geographers, and surveyors; and support the reconstruction of a physical and human landscape (Plewe 2002). That acquired information can stimulate the imagination and increase the understanding of possible quality parameters of data and error distribution models (Khorram et al., 1999).