In this assignment, you will use what you’ve learned about mapping and GIS to build a map visualization about the topic you’ve chosen for the final project. First, you will select an early American map and use Map Warper to georeference the map so that it is related to a geographic coordinate system. Then, using ArcGIS Online you will create a series of data points that overlap with your georeferenced historical map. Part 1 of this assignment is due Thursday April 18th at midnight and Part 2 of this this assignment is due Tuesday April 23rd at midnight.

Part 1

  • Choose a digital map from the Library of Congress that corresponds to your early American history topic.
    • Use the strategies we discussed in class to narrow your search by time period and location.
    • Be sure to use a map with an “overhead view” (similar to a Google map) as opposed to one that shows a scene or landscape view.
    • Download an image of the map. You need a high quality image. 1–4 MB size should work well. It needs to be in jpeg format. (If your dowloaded map is in another format, open it in a photo editor, and export to jpeg.)
  • Use Map Warper to create a georectified map.
    • Sign up for a free Map Warper account.
    • Upload your map. Fill out the metadata associated with your map. (This can be found on the LOC page where you dowloaded the map.)
    • Georectify your map. Make sure to include 5–10 control points.
    • You can refer to you notes from our in-class workshop or follow this tutorial for further instructions.
  • Turn in the URL (ex. https://mapwarper.net/maps/####) for your georectified map in Canvas by Thursday April 18th at midnight.

Part 2

  1. Using ArcGIS Online, create a digital map that helps visualize an aspect of the topic you have chosen for your final project.
    • During class on 4/17, we walked through the steps needed to create this type of map in ArcGIS Online. You may refer to the instructions for that activity which are posted on Slack.
    • You will first need to create a csv file of data points to use for your map. Focus on geographic locations that are important for your topic. You must have at least 5 data points. Your CSV should contain at least one column (variable) for place_name, description, latitude, and longitude. In your description column, include a 3-4 sentence description of what each location is and why it is important to the topic you are trying to convey. You are welcome to include any other variables you think are necessary like state, county, township, etc.
    • Your map should include:
      • One data point layer with at least 5 data points
      • Data points that are legible and visually appealing (the style has been updated from the default red points)
      • Pop-ups for your data points, which should at minimum, include the place name and description of each location
      • One layer containing the georectified historic map you created in Part 1 of this assignment with Map Warper. This should be arranged so that you Map Warper layer is underneath your data points layer and your data points can clearly be seen.
    • Embed your ArcGIS map in your blog.
  2. Write a blog post about georectification and GIS, including your mapping work as examples.
    • Your blog post should be approximately 400-500 words. It should use full sentences and paragraphs with topic sentences.
    • Define the term georeferencing, and explain the steps you took to create a georeferenced map. Make sure to explain any other key terms you use such as control points, rectify, etc. Describe why you choose the historic map you did and how it relates to your historic topic.
    • Include at least 2 screen shots from the process of creating your georectified map. One image should show your finished map as a semi-transparent overlay on top of the Open Street Maps map (from the preview tab). The other image should show one of the steps you took (such as uploading your map, adding control points, etc.) to create your map.
    • Include a link to your georectified map. The format should be something like: https://mapwarper.net/maps/####
    • Explain what GIS stands for and how people might experience GIS in their everyday lives. How can GIS be used to further our understanding of history? (Make sure to consult your readings and lecture notes.)
    • Describe the process you took to create your ArcGIS map. How did you pick the geographic data for your data points? Did you run into any issues when creating your map?
    • Finally explain how your ArcGIS map (with data point layer and georectified historic map) might be useful for understanding your early American history topic. What kind of story does it tell? What pattern or trend should viewers notice when seeing this map? How does having your georectified historic map as a backdrop enhance your data point layer? How does visualizing your data on a map make you topic more understandable vs a written/textual description?
    • Embed your ArcGIS online map in your blog, using the embed code provided.
    • Make a bibliography or works cited section at the end of your blog. Include citations (in Chicago style) for the sources you used to create your data point layer. Also give a citation for the Library of Congress map you chose. Use this format: Last name, First name Middle initial. Title of Work. Format. City: Publishing Company, copyright date. Source, Collection. Medium, http://…(accessed date).
    • Submit the URL for your blog post in Canvas by Tuesday April 23rd at midnight.