Scribing was used to produce lines for cartographic map compilations before the use of computer-based geographic information systems.
While working over a light table, lines on the scribe sheet are traced with a metal or sapphire-tipped scribe tool to remove thin lines of translucent coating to produce a handmade negative image.
The scribe sheet is made of a stable plastic base material and coated with a material which is designed for easy removal using a scribing tool to produce a cleanly cut line.
Printing plates are produced from the finished scribe sheets, one for each colour of the map.
‘Peelcoat’ is used to produce a negative of an area of detail such as a lake or forest.