BRINGING HISTORIC MAPS TO LIFE : GEOREFERENCING FOR THE DIGITAL GLOBE TO SUPPORT INTERDISCIPLINARY SCHOLARSHIP

Libraries have long been keepers of historic maps, including geologic maps. While these historic maps have traditionally been used for a range of scholarly pursuits, they are experiencing a renaissance when georeferenced and transformed for use with the digital globe, such as Google Earth. As library users shift to preferred digital format, the digital transformation of these historic maps becomes imperative. Beyond the provision of a digital image of the historic map, librarians should provide and promote the view of this information on modern terms. Laying historic maps or aerial photos over a digital globe provides insights and contexts into the location that a standard view of those materials can not provide. Further, historic maps often provide details and information that is not included in modern maps, such as historic place names, schools, cemeteries, roads, and other cultural or natural features that no longer exist. Use of historic maps guide and support K-12 and post-secondary instructional needs across a number of disciplines. Once georeferenced, historic maps can provide the background for building digital exhibits, to include historic or modern photos, documents or related texts. This paper will include examples of georeferenced maps, techniques for georeferencing for Google Earth and GIS systems, as well as case studies of their use by scholars.