GIS voor historisch landschapsonderzoek : Opzet en gebruik van een historisch GIS voor prekadastrale kaarten

Abstract

Formulation of the problem This study focuses on the use of a geographic information system (GIS) with regard to access to map books. The goal of this study is the following: • To obtain insight into the various types of geographic information systems in which time is a factor; • To determine what role a GIS can play in the study of old maps in general; • To elaborate a conceptual and functional model for an information system for pre-cadastral material (property maps), making use of pre-cadastral maps, as an example of a historic GIS; • To obtain insight into the behaviour of historic researchers that use historic GIS, whereby the GIS for property maps serves as an example. Study method In order to be able to answer these questions, a GIS has been established for property maps. This GIS has been set up according to the calibration method: the GIS is comprised of phases, with a theoretical or practical study being set up in each phase, the results of which are placed in a new prototype for each phase. Conclusions This study has shown what steps must be taken in order to establish a historic GIS according to the calibration method. Within this method we used various study techniques. It can be established through a literature study what types of GIS can be differentiated for historic research, what spatial-temporal models exist, what role a GIS can play in various types of study, and what historic GIS applications have already been initiated. In addition to literature study, interviews were also used in order to obtain insight into the wishes and expectations of the users. Finally, a user study was undertaken in which the thinking out loud method was used in order to study the usage strategies of users. This, incidentally, was preceded by a theoretical examination of the possibilities for a user study. This theoretical examination does not belong to the calibration process, but it was vital when it came to setting up a user study. This combination of different techniques makes it possible to consider all aspects (theory, user wishes, actual use) in the study. The calibration method turns out to function well when it comes to making the possibilities and problems of a historic GIS clear.