Using the David Rumsey Map Collection, I georectified a Post Route Map of the State of Nebraska, created in 1937. This project gave me a better understanding of how spatial DH projects can be utilized to better understand continuities and changes between different historical contexts. I was surprised by the consistency between the outline of the current Nebraska map and the map drawn in 1937, given the over 80-year difference. I noticed more precision in the nonlinear east side border in the modern map. I wonder how the development of GIS has contributed to the accuracy of various types of maps.
This map is available in a few formats: Web Map Tile Service (WMTS), TileJSON link, and XYZ link. This allows users to use the georectified map for the purpose of adding it to GIS, representing metadata, or direct access to tiles. I could see the possibility of adding layers to this map illustrating post routes in Nebraska from different years. This will allow users to examine the development of post routes in Nebraska. It would also be interesting to add historical context that could have influenced the development of post offices in Nebraska, such as population changes, transportation used by the postal service, and the development of electronic communication.
When examining historical maps, the accuracy could pose a problem. An example is that the 1937 and current maps were not precisely aligned. Therefore, if I were to add layers of postal routes from other years, identical routes may be portrayed in different locations. I think that georeferencing can be applied to almost any field. However, depending on the intention of a project, georeferencing may not be the most effective way of conveying a message. Unless a research project comprises an element pertaining to geography, this method is probably not appropriate.
