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November 15, 1999
Eisen meticulously maps out cityBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- For one New Ulm resident, keeping maps updated is a full-time job, but it is one he relishes. Horst Eisen, assistant city engineer, was born in New Ulm. He lived in Germany for a few years before returning to his home town where he has worked for the past 26 years. His most recent project, a newly repainted city map, can be seen at City Hall, in the library Council Chambers and at the Public Utilities plant. The maps, which are current to August 1999, include the North Highland extension and various subdivisions. "It is an expensive process, so we obviously don't do this every year," Eisen said. "That is why the maps are updated to show future development." In fact, Eisen has only redone the map four times since he has been on the job. He is also responsible for maps of the utilities, vacated streets, zoning changes, ward, precincts and land usage. The current map replaces a 1991 project. The maps are based on the original city map that was redrawn in 1921. All colors used on the map are the same as those used in the past, with a few exceptions. "The parks on the other maps were gray, the background color, which is inaccurate, because that is the color used for general agriculture," Eisen said. "On the new map the parks are the same color as the zoning district they are in." To develop the maps, Eisen first meticulously draws them on linen. The completed project must match letter for letter and line for line. He then does the inking by hand and applies the paint. The maps are then transferred onto aluminum panels and painted. The panels are all 8 1/2x11 inches. Any section can be removed and copied if needed. The panels, which can be removed with a special suction cup, are then pieced together in six rows of panels, 10 across. "I worked on the overall project in my spare time and started last winter," Eisen said. "It is quite a tedious project. I look forward to the day when the city map can also be done on computer, like the others are." The maps are printed on aluminum panels by two companies out of Ohio after the drawing has been done by Eisen. The cost to complete all three maps was $10,248 and was part of the city budget. "The panels have to be done just right, because the seams have to match once the map is displayed," Eisen said. "That is why the entire map has to be done at once, instead of panel by panel." The original maps are located in boxes, so there is also some record of what was done and when, for research purposes.
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