The process of mapping the movement of the tomb figure was straightforward. By converting the Excel sheet into a CSV file, everything we needed for the mapping was easily available. We chose to label the points on the map by their type (i.e., origin, sale, importation, etc.) because it appeared to be the clearest description in terms of just viewing the map. The only complication I had was embedding the web app into this post. I tried following the instructions on the assignment, but I could not find the iFrame code. I tried copying and pasting another HTML code in the inspector, and it just embedded a white blank map. In the meantime, I’ve included a screenshot of the web app while I work on resolving this issue.
The potential of web mapping does actually interest me. I’m not sure if it’s related to DH work, but something I thought about was mapping sightings of fossils. Like, what if every archeologist had a shared map where they added full, detailed descriptions of their findings with pictures? It would be fascinating to see not only the number of fossils discovered, but also the differences in dinosaur types found around the world. There are numerous possibilities that could arise from the use of web mapping tools such as ArcGIS and others. Plus, using ArcGIS has a ton of features like pop-ups, labels, and much more that could transform the data into something much more than just data.
I think your thought process about the potential of web mapping is really interesting. It would be really cool to see the potential of web mapping if it was shared collaboratively across various professionals. I think specifically within archaeology that would be effective, but it could also be interesting for other fields as well. Web mapping does have interesting potential for collaborative work since it would allow people to look at each other’s work but in a more interactive, visual format. I am curious to see how that will work in the future.
In terms of relating ArcGIS to DH work, I thought about how it could be used to track the origin and movement of historical artifacts, as we did in this assignment, and possibly chart paths of historical migrations and wars using points, lines, and additional layers. Your example of archaeology also works well in addressing the applications of ArcGIS. I agree with what you said about the pop-ups and how they can convey necessary information to make the data more than just a bunch of numbers, coordinates, and code.
We found the process of uploading the CSV file to ArcGIS to be pretty straightforward as well (except for the fact that one of our locations was unknown so we had to account for that) , but we ran into some trouble getting some of the points to actually save and getting the line layer to complete (every time we double clicked it would disappear), so I’m glad the process went well for you!
I appreciate hearing about your individual process for creating your maps, and seeing how your map ended up looking aesthetically differently than my group’s map was cool. It’s also cool to hear about the different ways you think that web mapping is interesting, as well as the creative ways you think that it could be utilized, such as the map of fossils shared by archeologists.
I think your thoughts on the potential of web mapping are interesting. I like your example about how archeologists can have a shared map to communicate their findings. My group also encountered difficulties when we tried to create the link for embedding the web app into the post. Otherwise, I agree with you that ArcGIS is easy to use and straightforward.
I have similar feelings about this process. The ArcGIS website is one of the most useful tools I have ever seen, and this mapping layer function is surprisingly efficient. Besides, I noticed that you embedded a picture instead of the website, did you meet with difficulties when embedding? I too was unable to do that, for unknown reasons.