Scientific exploration of the world during the long 18th century was a determining factor which influenced the academic establishments of geography and cartography. In the context of the professionalization of geodesy, topography, and ethnology, a critical gaze was focused on the validity of measurements, mapping, and of textual descriptions. New standards for maps, atlases, and globes – but also itineraries and school books – were launched at that time.

The aim of this paper is to foster discussion of different popularization-strategies of specialized geographical and cartographical knowledge by the publishing houses of Friedrich Justin Bertuch and his successors. In 1791, Bertuch began to operate under the name of “Landes-Industrie-Comptoir”. Since 1804 he specialized in the distribution of maps, atlases, and globes, through the separate “Geographisches Institut”.

By spotlighting archival material from the Bertuch archives it is possible to emphasize the convergence of spatial knowledge in geographical and cartographical products between 1791 and 1907. This demonstrates how cartographically-fixed landscapes became included within trading networks.

At the 24th International Congress of History of Science, Technology and Medicine I will recount the intentions and technical implementations of the production and distribution of geographical knowledge in its transition from manufacturing to serial production.