WNDSN Releases Commemorative Berlin Wall Escape Map for 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
BERLIN, 2024-12-05 -- WNDSN is proud to announce the release of a special commemorative edition of an escape map, marking the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Escape maps, essential tools during World War II and after, were used by soldiers to evade capture and by prisoners of war to facilitate escape. These maps, now known as Evasion Charts (EVC), have evolved to include modern materials and context-specific information such as navigation aids, climate data, as well as survival tips.
The WNDSN Berlin escape map is a unique "impossible map" that overlays a current map of Berlin’s city center with the original trace of the Berlin Wall. Unlike historic escape maps, which were produced at scales of 1:250,000 or 1:500,000, the WNDSN map offers a detailed scale of 1:12,000 (1 inch equals 1000 feet, 1 cm equals 120 meters) to aid in urban navigation. A 1:24,000 version is also available upon request.
This versatile map can be worn as a scarf or integrated into other items. The edges are finished with an overlocker stitch, allowing them to be cut away and sewn into garments or gear.
The WNDSN Cold War Berlin Wall Escape Map is crafted with pride made in Germany and is available for purchase through WNDSN.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 25" x 25" (63 cm x 63 cm)
- Weight: 34 g / 1.2 oz
- Material: 80 g/sqm Polyester
The new WNDSN Cold War Berlin Wall Escape Map is available at:
Photos:
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_overview.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_detail_01.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_detail_02.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_detail_03.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_oc_corbet.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_scale.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_telemeter.jpg
- https://telemeter.wndsn.com/pr/berlin_escape_map_12k_wndsn.jpg
Sidebar: Escape Maps
Escape maps played a crucial role during World War II and beyond. Some key points highlighting their historical significance:
- Aid in Escape and Evasion: Originally part of a soldier’s kit, escape maps were designed to help military personnel navigate and evade capture behind enemy lines. They provided essential geographical information that could be the difference between capture and freedom.
- Support for POWs: These maps were often smuggled into prisoner-of-war (POW) camps, hidden in everyday items like board games or clothing. They gave prisoners a vital tool to plan and execute escapes.
- Durability and Concealment: Made from materials like silk or rayon, escape maps were durable, silent, and could be easily concealed. This made them ideal for use in covert operations.
- Evolution into Evasion Charts (EVC): Modern escape maps, now called Evasion Charts, include detailed survival information relevant to specific geographic areas. This can include navigation aids, climate data, and even lists of edible plants and animals.
- Cultural and Historical Artifacts: Today, these maps are valued not only for their historical importance but also as cultural artifacts that tell stories of ingenuity, resilience, and the human spirit during times of conflict.
Escape maps are a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of those who used them, and they continue to be a fascinating part of military history.
Sidebar: Impossible Maps
The concept of an "impossible map" is quite intriguing and has both artistic and historical dimensions.
An "impossible map" is a cartographic creation that combines elements from different time periods or realities into a single representation. It is called "impossible" because it depicts a scenario that could not exist in reality, blending historical and contemporary features in a way that challenges conventional mapping. An impossible map has several applications and features:
- Temporal Juxtaposition: These maps often overlay historical elements onto modern landscapes.
- Artistic Interpretation: Impossible maps are not just practical tools but also artistic expressions. They invite viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the changes in the landscape.
- Educational Value: By merging different eras, impossible maps can serve as educational tools, helping people visualize and understand historical events in the context of the present day.
- Symbolic Significance: These maps can symbolize the enduring impact of historical events on contemporary society. The Berlin Wall, for instance, remains a powerful symbol of division and reunification, even though it physically no longer stands.
Example: WNDSN Berlin Escape Map
The WNDSN Berlin escape map is a perfect example of an impossible map. It overlays the historical trace of the Berlin Wall onto a modern map of Berlin’s city center. This creates a visual representation that allows users to navigate the present-day city while contemplating its divided past. The detailed scale of 1:12,000 aids in locating and navigating urban features, making it both a practical tool and a piece of historical reflection.
Impossible maps like this one are fascinating because they blend the past and present, offering a unique perspective on how history continues to influence our world today.
About WNDSN
Based in Berlin, WNDSN's Applied Science Lab develops and manufactures low-tech, high-utility tools and instruments with the objective of providing or enhancing "that, which can’t be improvised" in low-probability, high-impact scenarios where it is most needed, yet usually unavailable or non-permissive. The resulting products are measurement, calculation, and exploration instruments informed by the motto "Ex Mensura, Scientia" -- knowledge from measurement.
Mission
WNDSN [ˈwɪndsən] provides knowledge and tools for educating and training professionals and enthusiasts in the mastery of time and space.
WNDSN is devising instruments to measure values in the real world, calculate meaningful results from the acquired data, and process the insights as input for various problem solving tasks.
Products
WNDSN produces archival quality products that are designed with intent by combining techniques proven over centuries, bringing together the early history of science with cutting-edge, contemporary methods, resulting in iconic, timeless, high-utility designs in the spirit of the Renaissance.
WNDSN creates custom-built instruments and multi-purpose tools, metrology and illumination solutions with applications in urban reconnaissance, hostile theaters, disaster areas, and outdoor exploration.