A History of Place in the Digital Age

This book examines the role of Geographic Information Systems in humanities research, focusing on how digital mapping technologies shape our understanding of place.

In A History of Place in the Digital Age, the author delves into the evolution and significance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital mapping technologies within the realm of humanities research. The book presents a thorough historical and methodological analysis of how various primary materials, such as texts and artifacts, shape our understanding of place in an increasingly digital world. It highlights the ways these materials communicate location and the potential distortions that arise from the internet's influence on spatial representation.

The discussion extends to the implications of the World Wide Web, which can amplify certain voices while diminishing others, ultimately skewing perceptions of place. Through a series of interconnected case studies ranging from the early modern period to contemporary times, the book examines the spatial writings of antiquarians and investigates the foundational approaches to place found in disciplines like archaeology and philosophy. This exploration sets the stage for a critical review of how place is represented online, especially in the context of the internet's evolution into an interactive and social media-driven platform.

A History of Place in the Digital Age is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners across various humanities disciplines who are interested in the intersection of technology and spatial research. It serves as a primary text for those studying the histories of technology, media, and communications, offering insights into the complex dynamics of spatial power and representation in the digital era.