METHODS AND EVALUATION IN THE HISTORICAL MAPPING OF CITIES

Abstract. Through a (re)mapping and spatial modeling of city’s past, exploratory web applications can be built to examine urban histories dynamically engage scholars the public. Working on Emory University’s OpenWorld Atlanta project (OWA), researchers used geospatial technologies methods extract data from archives other sources build historical models, geodatabases, geocoders that enabled development web-based dynamic map interfaces. With focus early stages city in southeastern United States, this platform provides visualizations history along with wealth detail for specific time periods, specifically circa 1878 1928, given opportunity by key publications city. These maps were then connected digital images, vector data, descriptive text, labels structured content management system.While began as digitization centered two atlases Rose Library collection at University, it has grown include contributors several partner institutions. Therefore, paper outlines OWA within larger consortium institutions focusing production methods, development, interface design, evaluation using open-data open-source software cities' mapping modeling. Drawing upon maps, directories, archival collections, newspapers, census projects like allow analyze spatially grounded questions. In addition, they may serve public valuable informational resource learn about their neighborhood’s past even contribute materials family or stories.