The programme unearths a treasure trove of maps and stories to reveal the foundations of present-day Ulster, tracing the arrival of Scots and English migrants and the transformation of a wild landscape into a network of towns.
Presented by historian Professor Jerry Brotton, it uses 21st century technology to bring historic maps to life. It analyses social and economic data woven into the fabric of the maps using satellite imagery.
Andrea McCartney, who is a tutor on Advanced creative writing (A363) in Northern Ireland, said: “It’s difficult to imagine the world of 400 years ago. The maps help make that leap. The map-makers are artists.
"They have drawn the timber-framed houses, forests, castles and noted names of the people who lived there; the detail is incredible. They were innovative in their time as satellite mapping technology is today.”
Mapping Ulster is on BBC One Northern Ireland tonight Monday 29 April at 10.35pm, or you can catch it later on BBC iplayer. The programme is part-funded by Northern Ireland Screen's Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.
