English abstract
Geography consider as a science of assistance sciences to the science of history. Geography and its multiple subsidiaries played a major role in understanding and interpretation of many of historical facts. Maps are branch of geography associated with history, through this history researcher can link and compare the historical events. Maps give small and a comprehensive overview of the importance of the sites, cities and extension of states, and explain the look of great powers to any State. Hence stems the importance of this research, which deals with the history of coast of Oman through geographical maps, which had been prepared during period of 16-19 century. The study focused on reasons and motivations of European powers that made them mapping the coast of Oman, and the institutions that painted maps whether they were institutions or individuals, also this study will view and analyze models of maps dating back to the period that taking by this research.
The study found multiple objectives of mapping such political, economic, military, religious, scientific and exploratory. The institutions and individuals has a large role in this process. The most institutions were: The Agencies, resident political in the Gulf, East India companies, Geographical associations and institutes, Publishing houses and industry maps and atlases. Individuals were such travelers and explorers, diplomats, geographers and officers. The study also revealed aspects of evolution of European powers knowledge of the Omani coast by presenting and
analyzing samples of maps dating back to period of 16-19 century, The study based on various sources, including a large collection of maps dating back to historical periods relevant to study period of this research, and a set of administrative messages, reports and memos belong to political agents in Muscat, also based on travelers diary, and archives of many companies, associations and geographic institutes.
