Moreover, research in the department has led to the publication of several authoritative texts on the discipline. These have receives international acclaim. The importance of the work conducted within Explokart was affirmed by the decision to designate History of cartography as a priority research theme in faculty's research program. Social relevance of the programme Interest in old maps as a source of historical information has increased enormously during the last two decades. All of these disciplines are more or less connected with the histroy of maps.
Scientists often use the map as historical evidence.
Museum work is also being carried out. In cooperation with various museum, exhibtions have been prepared in which the cartographic document plays a key role. The aim of this series is to present an inventory of rare and significant Dutch maps and charts from the period 1550 and 1700. Many maps are reproduced in full size facsimiles. In this way rare cartographical material will be made more readily accessible to people interested in the subject.