Prof. Dr. h.c. Eduard Imhof, 25. 1. 1895–27. 4. 1986

Summary

This commemorative essay reflects on the life and legacy of Swiss cartographer, artist, and educator Eduard Imhof (1895–1986). Through observations of his maps, teaching, lectures, and writings, the author examines Imhof’s conception of cartography as an inseparable union of science and art. His guiding principle—“to map is to omit”—expressed the importance of generalization: removing secondary detail to clarify essential information. Imhof combined this intellectual discipline with exceptional technical skill, aesthetic judgment, and pedagogical clarity. Rather than merely instructing, he sought to open viewers’ eyes to the beauty of landscapes, nature, and humanity. His maps and paintings embodied vitality, compassion, humor, and a profound love of life. The essay concludes that Imhof’s death marked the loss not only of an exceptional cartographer but also of a uniquely creative and humane personality.