Utilizing geospatial visualizations within a historical context helps to frame the discussion around those events in a way that allows both historians and members of the public to view those events within a different context. The concept of space and location are often lacking when one uses the written word to catalogue events of the past. Dates and times can be conceptualized with just the written word, but it is impossible to fully describe the distances between places or the characteristics of the environment without utilizing geospatial depictions. As such, geospatial visualizations such as Google Maps and StoryMap both allow the viewer to follow the progress of historical narratives with an appreciation for the concept of location and distance. Now, narratives do not happen within a vacuum, but within real places that are more than just a name on a map. In this way, those studying past events gain a better understanding of how those past events were more than just mere words on a page, by being able to see the places where those events took place. As Marten Düring explains, how we spatially organize and display data changes how we analyze it.
Of course, both geographical and spatial data has pitfalls, and both forms of information can be used to mislead the viewer be it intentionally or unintentionally. There are a number of ways in which data can be used to distort the truth, either through omission or tweaking the data to not include certain data sets. Additionally, the way in which date is displayed can often lead viewers astray. Using charts, graphs, and maps one can easily highlight or downplay the importance of a particular dataset. Or, it is certainly possible to phrase things in such a way that it draws the viewer to incorrect conclusions. As such, it is important to cite sources religiously when using spatial and geographic representations of data.
In my project, I want to use geospatial data in order to better show where certain judicial duels took place, and how the court cases progressed. I think that the use of my StoryMap in retelling the narrative of the duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques led Gris will help to show the relationship between the various noble lords that partook in the legal case, as well as the locations where important events took place. Additionally, I think that being able to see exactly how these locations related to one another in the context of a chronological narrative provides the viewer with a unique perspective on the events that took place. Of course, I need to ensure that the viewer is appraised of the nature of the sites where these events took place- as many of them have changed greatly since the 14th century and I don’t want to give anyone a false impression of past events. Still, I think the benefits of using geospatial data in my exhibit vastly outweigh the drawbacks, and enriches my exhibit tremendously.
I think that not only being able to visualize, but visit the places where historical events took place makes history feel more real to us in the present, and creates a connection with those places. History is more than just words on a page, and we need to be able to visualize it in order to effectively grasp it.
Citations:
Düring, Marten. “From Hermeneutics to Data to Networks: Data Extraction and Network Visualization of Historical Sources.” Programming Historian, February 18, 2015. https://programminghistorian.org/en/lessons/creating-network-diagrams-from-historical-sources.