Creating Deep Maps and Spatial Narratives through Design

• Published in: International journal of humanities and arts computing Vol. 7; no. 1-2; pp. 176 - 189
• Main Authors: Ridge, Mia, Lafreniere, Don, Nesbit, Scott
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Edinburgh University Press 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Historical Studies; deep mapping; user experience design; prototyping; deep maps; digital humanities; historical GIS; spatial history; Spatial humanities; interdisciplinary scholarship; spatial narratives; interface design
• DOI: 10.3366/ijhac.2013.0088
• ISSN: 1753-8548

An interdisciplinary team of researchers were challenged to create a model of a deep map during a three-day charette at the NEH Institute on Spatial Narratives and Deep Maps. Through a reflexive process of ingesting data, probing for fruitful research questions, and considering how a deep map might be used by different audiences, we created a wireframe model of a deep map and explored how it related to spatial narratives. We explored the tension between interfaces for exploratory and structured views of data and sources, and devised a model for the intersections between spatial narratives and deep maps. The process of creating wireframes and prototype screens-and more importantly, the discussions and debates they initiated-helped us understand the complex requirements for deep maps and showed how a deep map can support a humanistic interpretation of the role of space in historical processes.