Roland von Cremer is a young cartographer who is about to start his new position at the cartographic center of Sodrownien. Despite his immense motivation, he clashes with his supervisor Paul Ciceri on the very first day. Cremer is only familiar with handling geographical maps from his studies. When he is asked to interpret old copper engravings and lithographs, he is initially confused. It is only when he discovers that the engravings are to be used for a model of their homeland Sodrownien that he realizes the significance of his work. After a visit from a high-ranking marshal, the staff becomes restless: everything suggests that the military wants to utilize the cartographers' knowledge.