Isaac van Geelkercken (1615-1672). Surveyor, cartographer and military engineer in Gelderland and Norway

This Phd project consists of research on the life and work of Isaac van Geelkercken (1615-1672). Surveyor, cartographer and military engineer in Gelderland and Norway

Isaac van Geelkercken (1615-1672) was a land surveyor for the city of Nijmegen and worked in his young years closely together with his father Nicolaes van Geelkercken (ca. 1585-1656). From 1644-1656, Isaac worked as royal fortifications engineer in Norway for the Danish Kings Christian IV and Frederik III, before turning back to Gelderland, becoming the main surveyor at the court of Gelderland until his dead. In the Phd project the life and work of Isaac van Geelkercken is examined and his work is placed in contemporary and historic context.

Isaac van Geelkercken was a child of his time and combined the activities of land surveying, cartography, engineering and city planning based on his skills in drawing and mathematics. He knew the drill and the contemporary theory, buth at the same time did not hasitate to apply unoirthodox methodes if necessary.