This 1948 Spanish road map was produced by the Real Automóvil Club de España, headquartered at Ruiz de Alarcón, 11 in Madrid. It serves as a comprehensive guide to Spain's road network during the mid-20th century, reflecting the extensive efforts of the Real Automóvil Club to support motorists with detailed and accurate cartographic information.
The map prominently features the road systems of Spain and Portugal, meticulously delineating national, regional, and local roads, as well as routes under construction, using a variety of color-coded lines for clarity. Key symbols are employed to denote major infrastructure elements such as railways, rivers, ports, and altitudes, enhancing navigability for users. Capitals, judicial districts, and towns are marked with clear typographic symbols, facilitating easy identification of urban centers and administrative boundaries.
The map's design is both functional and aesthetically appealing, enclosed within a decorative red and yellow border, reflecting the colors of Spain’s national flag. At the center, the emblem of the Real Automóvil Club de España, featuring a crown and the initials "RAC" set within a gear, emphasizes the club's royal endorsement and its dedication to the promotion of motor travel across the nation. The layout includes a detailed legend (Signos) explaining the various symbols and lines, ensuring users can easily interpret the map's information.
Published in the post-war era, this map represents a period of reconstruction and modernization in Spain, where the expansion and improvement of road infrastructure were pivotal for economic recovery and development. The Real Automóvil Club de España played a crucial role in supporting and advocating for these advancements, and this map reflects their commitment to facilitating mobility and connectivity throughout the country.