This map is a reduction of the four-leaf survey map of the Hoogheemraadschap of the Alblasserwaard from 1681. The scale of this reduction is approximately 1:100,000 and four states of the copper plate are known.
This is the second state from around 1740, in which the title cartouche mentions the hydraulic interventions at the Merwede in the year 1738. Differences from the first edition include the column and a half of letters (A to Q) to the right of the title cartouche. These letters refer to various spatial elements in the Biesbosch and are further explained in the column. Below them are remnants of dike breaches and hydraulic improvements. A second striking difference is that the large pedestal with some scale poles from the first edition has disappeared. Instead, the aforementioned Biesbosch is engraved.
The map offers a nice overview of the water management and the wealth of polder mills in the area. Many dates remind of often dramatic dike breaches in the past.
