ME702b - The Arabian coastline from Qatar to the UAE. Western sheet

Lieutenants J. M. Guy & G. B. Bucks

h36.5" x w26"

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The surveys that led to the production of this, and two other charts in the same series (see ME702c & ME702d) were the primary work of Lieutenants J. M. Guy, G. B. Brooks and R. Cogan. The survey was conducted in 1824, on behalf of the Honourable East India Company Marine Service and published in 1826.

 

Amongst the most significant features included on this chart of the Arabian coastline, which stretches from the eastern side of the Qatar Peninsular south and across to what is now Al Hamra in the UAE, are the place names. Mostly unrecognisable now, the names awarded to towns by the British have long been lost in time and translation.

 

Although no key is provided with the chart, the surveyors and the engraver, John Bateman, all stick firmly to the traditions of British map and chart-making; utilising standardized symbols, and noting: rocks along the coast-line; significant hill formations (Jibbal) that would be recognizable from the sea; cliff formations and headlands (Ras); water-holes, and bays or water ravines (Core - present day 'Khor'); sandbanks/ shoals (depicted by the dotted line both along the coast and out at sea); swamps and treacherous land; and major settlements.

 

A comparison of this coastline to that on modern maps illustrates that, with time, the shape of the coastline has changed with the natural process of shifting sands and modern development. The numbers (soundings) depict the water depths measured in both fathoms and, where circled, feet. This was an important part of the survey as it informed future voyagers as to where it was safe to sail, and where to anchor.

The Arabian coastline from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates. Western sheet