Ready, aim archive: Archives-in-Maps (AIM) for geospatial historical archiving, a novel approach

Abstract

This interdisciplinary thesis addresses an archival and geographic information system (GIS) disconnect currently experienced by history and historical social science deep mapping researchers. Research methods using GIS and digital archives have enabled rich and contextual spatial research to emerge since the spatial turn. Yet, their respective frameworks remain siloed, constraining access to certain types of archival evidence such as historical aerial photos (HAPs). Further, the archival documents that would provide context to the geographies mapped within the HAPs remain separated, limiting opportunities for the deep mapping researcher to leverage both types of archival evidence. This thesis introduces the Archives-In-Maps (AIM) concept and applies it to Fredericton, NB. AIM Fredericton integrates HAPs and archival documents within a user driven GIS for web environment, featuring both types of archival evidence equally. An historical geospatial case study was conducted to demonstrate the interdisciplinary potential of the AIM concept, and how it will support deep mapping researchers within history and the social sciences.