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Philipp Clüver (also spelled Klüwer, Cluwer, or Cluvier, Latinized as Philippus Cluverius and Philippi Cluverii) was an Early Modern German geographer and historian who made significant contributions to the field of historical geography. 

Clüver was born in Danzig (Gdańsk), in Royal Prussia, a province of the Kingdom of Poland. He initially spent time at the Polish court of Sigismund III Vasa before commencing the study of law at the University of Leiden in the Dutch Republic. However, he soon shifted his focus to history and geography under the influence of Joseph Scaliger. Clüver's father, who was a Münzmeister (coin master) in Danzig, provided him with a scientific education but ceased financial support when Clüver diverged from his initial studies.

Clüver’s travels took him across Hungary to Bohemia, where he engaged in military service for a few years. During his time in Bohemia, he translated a defense of Baron Popel Lobkowitz into Latin, an act that nearly led to imperial sanctions upon his return to Leiden. With the support of his friends at Leiden, he managed to avoid these sanctions.

Clüver also journeyed on foot through England, Scotland, and France before settling back in Leiden. After 1616, he received a regular pension from the university and was appointed as a geographer, tasked with overseeing the university's library. 

Philipp Clüver was renowned as an antiquary and geographer, gaining recognition for his general study of the geography of Antiquity. His approach combined classical literary sources with empirical knowledge from his extensive travels and local inspections, laying the groundwork for the field of historical geography.

His first significant work in 1611, Commentarius de tribus Rheni alveis, et ostiis; item. De Quinque populis quondam accolis; scilicet de Toxandris, Batavis, Caninefatibus, Frisiis, ac Marsacis, focused on the lower reaches of the Rhine and its inhabitants during Roman times, striking a chord with the Dutch during their struggle for independence. His Germaniae Antiquae Libri Tres (1616) drew upon Tacitus and other Latin authors to explore ancient Germany. Sicilia Antiqua (1619), which included notes on Sardinia and Corsica, became a valuable resource with references from ancient writers and detailed maps. His Introductio in Universam Geographiam, published posthumously from 1624, became the first comprehensive modern geography and a standard textbook in the field.

Clüver was also known for his contributions to mathematical and theological writings and is remembered by cartography enthusiasts for his edition of Ptolemy's Geographia and his miniature atlases.  His major works include:

• Introductio in Universam Geographiam (1624-29, posthumous)
• Commentarius de tribus Rheni alveis, et ostiis; item. De Quinque populis quondam accolis; scilicet de Toxandris, Batavis, Caninefatibus, Frisiis, ac Marsacis (1611)
• Germaniae Antiquae Libri Tres (1616)
• Siciliae Antiquae Libri Duo (1619)
• Sardinia et Corsica Antiqua (1619)
• Italia Antiqua (1624, posthumous)

Of these works, his Introductio in Universam Geographiam would continue to be published well into the 18th Century in a number of editions.

Nicholas (sometimes Nicolaes, Nicolaas, or Nicolas) van Geelkercken (sometimes Geelkerken, or Geilekerck) (fl. 1600-1656) a Dutch cartographer from the 17th century, isn’t as prominently recognized as some of his peers. However, his contributions to the field are noteworthy and deserve attention. There's some debate over his birthplace; Waller suggests Scherpenzeel in Guelders, Hollstein posits Zutphen, and some even point to Geilenkirchen in Germany due to the similarity in name.

The first known record of Geelkerken’s work dates back to 1600, with a depiction of the Castle of Verwolde. Then, a decade-long gap ensues until 1610, when records show his various roles as a draughtsman, engraver, publisher, and surveyor. Initially, he lived in Leiden, briefly in Amsterdam around 1615 and 1616, and later moved to Arnhem after his appointment as the surveyor of Guelders. He passed away on September 25, 1656, and was succeeded by his son Isaak.

In 1610, Geelkerken produced a map of the world titled Universi Orbis Tabula De integro Delineata. This map, printed in Amsterdam, measured 41 by 56 cm and featured allegorical images of the then-known parts of the world. Notably, it showcased the voyages of notable explorers such as Magelhaen, Candish, Drake, and Van Noort.

By 1616, Geelkerken released another world map published by Johannes Janssonius. Although the first edition of this map hasn't been found, later editions from 1618 are available. This map, too, had details about famous explorers, and notably lacked updates about the discoveries of Schouten and Lemaire.

In 1619, Geelkerken published Oost ende West-Indische Spiegel, which detailed the voyages of Joris van Spilbergen and Schouten and Lemaire. Within this work was a world map, which later influenced the works of other cartographers.

One of Geelkerken's projects was also engraving for a map of Pomerania by Eilhard Lubin, which spanned 12 sheets and was quite detailed. Similarly, Geelkerken was involved in creating a map of Palestine in collaboration with his brother Arnoldus Geilkerkius, who had traveled to Palestine.

Apart from these, Geelkerken made significant contributions to the mapping of Friesland. In Ubbo Emmius' De Frisia et Frisiorum Republica, Geelkerken presented detailed plans of the Frisian towns. Furthermore, his map of Frisia, created in 1618, provided a comprehensive view of the region during that time.

Geelkerken’s work also included a 1621 map of Rhaetia and his participation in Phil. Cluverius' Italia antiqua in 1624. His dedication to the field was evident in the numerous war-maps and historical prints he engraved, particularly those related to the Julierswar of the early 1610s.

In summary, while Nicolaas Geelkerken might not be the most celebrated cartographer, his dedication to his craft and the multitude of maps he contributed to reflect his essential role in the cartography of the 17th century.

Fortunat Sprecher von Berneck (1585-1647), hailing from the distinguished and noble Bündner family Sprecher von Bernegg, was a prominent Swiss jurist, diplomat, and chronicler from Graubünden​​. Born in Davos, his early education led him to study in some of the most respected universities across Europe, including Basel in 1602, Paris in 1605, and Orléans in 1606, where he completed his degree in law​​.

Sprecher served as an envoy for the Three Leagues, the federation of communes in the Grisons region, undertaking a diplomatic mission in April 1621 to Innsbruck and Imst to meet with Archduke Leopold V of Austria​​. 

In the realm of cartography and historiography, Sprecher made significant contributions. He authored a Rhaetian chronicle and a history of wars and unrest in the High Rhaetian region, thus providing valuable insights into the historical context of the Grisons during tumultuous periods​​. His scholarly work also intersected with cartography when he collaborated with Philipp Cluverius to produce the first modern map of Graubünden in 1618, known as the Rhaetia-map. This map was a pioneering work of its time, representing the region with unprecedented accuracy and detail. It was re-issued in 1621 by Van Geelkercken, and again by Visscher in 1625.