Historical Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a compelling new methodology for historical research. Over the last ten years a set of common techniques, sources and issues have emerged from the work of historical scholars in a diverse range of disciplines. The public profile of GIS in historical research is now ...
(Show more)Historical Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a compelling new methodology for historical research. Over the last ten years a set of common techniques, sources and issues have emerged from the work of historical scholars in a diverse range of disciplines. The public profile of GIS in historical research is now very high. Much has been written about the advantages that the application of GIS brings to the analysis of spatial data by historians but has the methodology lived up to its early promise? What possible changes and additions would result in the development of a system better suited to the needs of historical research?
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The existing methodology and its implementation in current technology has many weaknesses and limitations when applied in the environment of historical research. The author believes the limitations occur in six areas:
The use of GIS as a heuristic device in historical research.
The nature, content, acquisition and management of digital historical data
The methodology and functionality implemented in current GIS software.
Project management and logistical issues.
Issues concerning preservation and maintenance of historical digital resources.
The perceived scholarly value of digital objects as research output
These issues will form a framework of a discussion of whether or not the potential of GIS as a historical research tool as it was perceived ten years ago has been fulfilled. This will lead on to an exploration of what current work reveals about the requirements of, and a ‘wish list’ of functionality for, an ideal historical GIS.
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