Geographic Information Systems: Linking History to 2012

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4 Challenges

There were several challenges that were overcome to complete this project. The issue

of legibility was a major concern as the 1878 map made it difficult to distinguish some

names while transposing them into the databases. Another issue was with the dimen-

sions of the map that needed to match the projection of the streetfiles. The historic

map had distortions and these needed to be tweaked and rectified during the

Georeferencing process. Another challenge is the amount of time and detail required

to recreate a paper map.

Conclusion

The idea of doing a project like this points out the importance for any urban

settlement to remember their roots and celebrate as well as protect historically sig-

nificant landmarks. The preservation of historical maps in a GIS format can give

glimpses of our connection to the past, present and future.

The historical paper maps are numerous and should be

included in any town or city’s GIS archive.

Introduction

This project illustrates the wide scope of Geographic Information

Systems (GIS) capabilities. Used as a tool in decision making and loca-

tion analysis GIS can also be an invaluable tool in cataloguing historical

data. Illustrated in this project is the versatility of GIS in linking histori-

cal paper maps to present day datasets. Using scanned paper maps from

the year 1878 of my hometown of Newmarket, I digitized all the data

and recreated all of the property lines and significant historical land-

marks.

Purpose

Heritage preservation of any area is very important to an understanding of the rela-

tionship of the present to its past. Preserving our history brings about an increased

interest and pride that could translate into more revenue in the form of tourism

(walking tours, museums, exhibits). House owners can search their current address

and find out what farm they were a part of and their proximity to historical town land-

marks. Information such as the owners name and farmhouse, occupation, even apple

orchards can give present day residents insight into the origin of Newmarket and the

many streets named after founding residents.

Methodology

There were many steps taken in order to re-create the

1878 map of Newmarket into a GIS.

In step one, maps were downloaded off the McGill

University digital library map collection on their

website. Present day aerial photography was used to

show the level of urbanization now in the area and to

aid with lining up the historic maps.

In step two, by using a tool called Georeferencing in

the ArcMap program, the old maps were stretched and

warped in order to match boundaries in the town of

Newmarket to present day streetfiles.

Finished Product

In step three, once the images were rectified, Shapefiles were created using the polygon tool for

each property in the town and surrounding area. Once every property line was re-created in

digital format the following features were also created; farm houses, apple orchards, tannery,

churches, businesses, schools, cemeteries, post office, river system, and the railroad. A total of

1516 polygons were created.

In step four, information such as the names of the owners written on the 1878 map were logged

into the databases adding intelligence to the shapefiles.

When a polygon is selected in ArcMap using the

identify tool the underlying database intelligence

becomes evident. Furthermore, historical images as

well as websites can be hyperlinked to further illus-

trate and enhance the data and the link to significant

landmarks.

0 0.15 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 Kilometres

0 0.15 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 Kilometres

0 0.15 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 Kilometres

Jonathan Howley

Department of Geography

NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17 N

ArcMap 10