Tag Archives: historical maps

Review of Monday 3/20 and preparing for NYPL Map Division trip on Wednesday 3/22

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Today we discussed the complexities of maps and representations of geographic and spatial data. Consider these questions: How does geographic information address your group’s hypothesis, or how could information from a map lead you to a solution? What are some potential “lies” or omissions you might encounter when consulting historical maps?

We reviewed the Map Warper, a tool that allows anyone to georectify historical maps over a contemporary street grid. On Wednesday, we meet at the New York Public Library, Map Division. Enter the library at 5th Avenue & 42nd Street. Go up the large central staircase to the second floor. We meet at 1:45 SHARP in room 216. We’re meeting at the main research library, called the Schwarzman Building, at 476 Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street. If you see Patience and Fortitude, you’re good!

Before Wednesday, please read About the Map Division from the NYPL website. Remember, site report #3 is due on Wednesday by the start of class.

Review of today, and readings for Monday, March 20

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Today we used bubbl.us to visualize hypotheses and related data that support them, including primary and secondary sources. Please bring your mind maps to class on Monday — on your phone is OK. We spent some time reviewing the principles of one-point perspective drawing and practiced sketching the frame, vanishing point, and horizon line to sketch our classroom — and added windows and doors to the room. We then turned the basic sketch into a street scene.

On Monday, March 20 we’ll explore historical maps, and we’ll visit the map division of the New York Public Library on March 22. Please read the following:

Historic Maps as Historian’s Evidence (also the Mapping and Political Power section)
Making Sense of Maps (especially these sections: What is a Map? Where do I begin? Who Made this Map and Why? and How is the data Organized?)

Site report #3 is due on Wednesday, March 22 by the beginning of class (template here). A revised schedule for the rest of the semester’s class meetings can be found here and on the Syllabus page.