Interactive Cartography and Historical Insights: Mapping a New Course for the Past in the Digital Age

Abstract

Maps are the foundation upon which history is built, serving as both canvas and compass for historians. Maps depict the evolution of civilizations, wars, and trade, revealing patterns and connections that text alone cannot convey. The integration of interactive cartography within historical research marks a transformative era in the exploration of the past. Transitioning from static printed atlases to interactive cartography enhances the accessibility and utility of historical maps and vastly expands the analytical possibilities. Thus, collaboration between historians and cartographers is crucial, as it ensures that the design of interactive maps is guided by historical inquiry, thereby enriching the study of history with deeper perspectives.

Despite the growing practices of interactive cartography, most existing studies focus on map-making itself, and there is a lack of systematic analysis of its broader impact within history. This study outlines the evolving role of interactive cartography in history, emphasizing the need for historians and strategies for cartographers to support history studies effectively. Cartographers need to be involved in the digital integration of various data sources, the creation of interactive maps that allow for the exploration of different historical periods, and the development of user-friendly interfaces that cater to both scholars and the public. This research reviewed the literature on interactive cartography's role in history, promoting interactive maps' utility in the field and proposing a new framework for interdisciplinary collaboration. It paves the way for a more inclusive approach to studying history in the digital age.