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This detailed map of Passau, titled "Grundriss der Staette Passau, Instatt und Iltzstatt," provides a bird's-eye view of the city and its surroundings as they appeared in the early 18th century. The map captures the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, highlighting Passau’s strategic position at this critical junction.

The layout meticulously depicts the city's fortifications, including the Veste Oberhaus fortress, as well as the three distinct districts: Passau, Instatt, and Iltzstatt. The map emphasizes the natural and man-made features that shaped the city’s defensive and urban landscape, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and detailed renderings of roads, bridges, and the layout of urban areas. 

I the second half of the 17th Century, Passau underwent significant changes, driven by its strategic location and its role within the broader geopolitical and religious landscape of Europe. In the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Passau, like many cities in the Holy Roman Empire, faced the challenge of reconstruction and recovery. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 brought an end to the war and marked a turning point for Passau, which began to rebuild and reestablish its significance as a fortified city and episcopal seat.

During this period, Passau was governed by the Prince-Bishops, who were influential ecclesiastical and secular rulers. Under their leadership, the city saw extensive fortification efforts to bolster its defenses against potential threats, particularly from the Ottoman Empire and other European powers. The construction of the Veste Oberhaus fortress and the expansion of city walls and bastions were part of these efforts to secure the city against external incursions. This fortified stance is clearly depicted in the map, illustrating the robust military architecture that characterized Passau during the early 18th century. 

The late 17th and early 18th centuries were also marked by urban development and economic growth. Passau’s position on major trade routes facilitated commerce, particularly in salt and other goods transported along the Danube and its tributaries. The city's economy benefited from the increased stability and the revitalization of trade networks post-war. Architectural developments during this period included the rebuilding of the baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral, which became a symbol of the city’s resilience and its Baroque transformation under Prince-Bishop Wenzeslaus von Thun und Hohenstein.

The map shows the division of Passau into three principal areas: Passau proper, Instatt, and Iltzstatt. Each area had its own distinct character and role within the city’s overall function. Instatt, lying along the banks of the Inn River, was historically significant for trade and transit, while Iltzstatt, situated near the Ilz River, was more residential and less fortified compared to the central Passau district.