This week, we applied the skills we learned in class to create a map in ArcGIS that represents the sculpture’s journey from China to Carleton. The platform allows us to customize several features of the map, such as the symbols that mark the locations and the labels that describe particular locations. My group made a few changes to personalize our map. For example, we added arrows on the lines that connect points to indicate the progression of time. We also labeled each location and marked it with a triangle so that it is clear where the sculpture had been. Although we encountered some issues when we tried to generate the link for the embedded Web App, ArcGIS is overall very intuitive and easy to use. By uploading a CSV file that contains the data about the sculpture, the platform automatically plots the map. We can easily adjust various features with just a few clicks.
I think web mapping can be very useful for various kinds of DH projects. Locations are important under many circumstances and using a web map to visually present locations is the most effective way as it is interactive and engaging. Meanwhile, web mapping could potentially provide us with new insights and perspectives into culturally and historically significant events, which is very meaningful. In particular, the ArcGIS online platform can be very helpful since it is simple and straightforward.
2 thoughts on “Lab Week 6: Web Mapping”
Leave a Reply to Carl Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a nice-looking map! I love the decision to add arrows to the line. How did you add them? It’s simple but truly contributes so much to the audience’s understanding of the object’s provenance. The triangles are also a lovely addition of color and really stand out against the base map.
It is really interesting to hear your process to map your artifact’s journey to Northfield. My group also had similar issues that your group went through. I’m glad you guys figured it out in the end! I like how your map labels the locations of interest and specifically what action occurred there. Likewise, your mapping is clear and informative.