Blog post #6 - Maps & virtual spaces
Depending on the type of data a project is composed of, a map may be critical to portraying information to the audience or other researchers.
“Mapping tools clearly have a role to play in the study of history, culture, literature, and community activism…”
All maps are composed of a few key elements: the base map, additional details that are used containing information, symbols which are defined in a legend, and methods of displaying and working the data the map contains. The exception to these mapping tools is if the map is just being used as a picture, for example to show what a certain country looks like.
Overall mapping tools and Geographic Information systems aka GIS, work together to help DH analysts to analyze and present their data. For example, after gaining all of the necessary data, marine life researchers can create a map to show the exact spots turtle nesting has accumulated on a beach during a certain year.
My view of virtual tourism is that it's a very innovative and brilliant idea for all kinds of people to experience and learn history, especially if they have obstacles keeping them from seeing these tours in person such as finance or disability.
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ReplyDeleteIt makes a lot of sense that people work off a base map because they already have a template to work off of. And every graph is different and serves a diffrent purpose which is true a map we all use on our phone is vastly different from a map an archeologist or city planner would use . I also agree that virtual tourism is very cool and gives people who are less fortunate a way to look at the world . My DH project was the 9/11 Memorial and payed tribute to people who lost their life . This website also gives an option for a virtual field trip to schools which is very interesting. Im excited to start the curation unit because we are making a website for a memorial or for a business.
ReplyDeleteI thought you brought up a great point about how virtual tours and maps can be very beneficial those who may be disabled or not have the income available to spend on a museum. Virtual spaces expand accessibility and allow people from virtually anywhere to access the website. That is the amazing thing about digital humanities! It brings data and spaces from the physical world into a virtual world that can be viewed by most civilized people and puts so much information at their fingertips. Virtual maps are also great for visual learners as they can see where the topics are located that are being discussed further clarifying for the audience the context of the situation. My DH project couldn't really relate to the topic this week because it did not involve any maps, however when I was younger, I would always randomly look at Google Earth! I loved looking at the person view on the streets and look at the houses I have lived in. Websites like Google Earth show how useful, yet interesting virtual spaces can be.
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