https://www.oldmapsonline.org/maps/988381ea-6b43-4fb7-bca2-2d2f7a705ef7/georeference
It is really cool to be able to have the ability to compare a map of the best side-by-side with a map of the future, it is fun to see how a town’s infrastructure has changed over time, and what has stayed the same. In order to accurately place an old map of Northfield on top of a map of present-day Northfield, I had to find five intersection points on each map that were the same location. After placing the five intersection points, the old map of Northfield was properly calibrated and synchronized with the current map of Northfield. Potential problems with a georectified map occur when there have been serious changes in the roads for an area, or in areas where the geography has shifted over time. An example of a geographical shift that could impact a georectified map would be erosion that could occur near a river. Over time if sufficient erosion occurred, a river could potentially become larger than it was originally thus changing the geography of the surrounding land. The five intersection points on the old and current map could be inaccurate if they were impacted by a change in the geography such as erosion. I think knowing that georectified maps can be skewed by factors like changes in infrastructure and geographical changes is an important factor when using georectified maps for historical study. Georectified maps can be a very valuable tool for historical study, it is just important for the historians using the map to determine what changes have incurred in the geography and infrastructure over time. When using georectified maps, it is important that historians are knowledgeable about the context surrounding the land they are mapping. Learning this process has given me a greater appreciation for the capabilities surrounding spatial digital humanities, and its applicability in use for mapping the past.
