File:Exact Drawing of Old and New Amsterdam (Map) 1699-1706 by Frederik de Wit.jpg

English: Title in Latin: "Exactissima Amstelodami Veteris Et Novissimi Delineatio Per F. (Frederik) De Wit." (English: "The Most Exact Drawing of Old and New Amsterdam By F. (Frederik) De Wit."). From the book: "Theatrum ichnographicum omnium urbium et præcipuorum oppidorum Belgicarum XVII Provinciarum peraccurate delineatarum" (Accurately delineated ichnographic plans of all the cities and towns in the seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands), commonly known as the De Wit Atlas, is a city atlas containing maps and prints of key monuments in Dutch cities. The name comes from its creator, Frederick de Wit (1630-1706), an influential cartographer, engraver, and publisher in Amsterdam. Such atlases were popular among wealthy members of the bourgeoisie and nobility in the 17th century. The huge tomes were not designed to be carried on a stroll through the city; this particular atlas weighs more than seven kilograms. The maps are extremely detailed, which makes them perfect for "armchair tourism." When King Philip II of Spain captured Antwerp in 1585 during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, many cartographers headed north, and Amsterdam became the new cartographic capital.