Data Visualization via Enhanced Maps in a Digital Humanities Context – a Design Perspective

Abstract: 
In the past decades, geographical maps have been used extensively as a means for spatial data visualization in the Humanities and beyond. Here, we consider data visualization to be the representation as well as presentation of data for enhancing understanding. While maps have myriad advantages for visualization, such as presenting the spatial distribution of data to potentially generate new insights, they are also are inherently abstractions of reality. This abstraction can raise issues, particularly in the context of complex and multifaceted historical datasets fraught with uncertainty. This paper conceptually discusses these issues from a design perspective in the context of DH, specifically looking at cartographic design, interaction design and data structure. Subsequently, it briefly reveals how these angles were addressed in an enhanced 2D geographical maps viewer created within the Virtual Interiors project (2018-2022), which displays spatio-temporal historical datasets.

▶ Presentation on SlideShare

▶ Screencast of the 2D maps demonstrator (HQ)

▶ Try out the 2D maps demonstrator (📖 Documentation & source code)