Maps and Virtual Spaces

    In Digital Humanities, maps and GIS play a large role in how information can be analyzed, visualized and interpreted through interactive technology experiences. Other than directional purposes, maps can tell a lot about a spaces demographics, infrastructure or security reasons which all in some way a correlation to human dimensions. The book explains that online maps like Google Earth can be created very easily, but understanding the research of what goes into creating maps tells us how and why. Geographic Information Systems combine data into the maps to allow for more analysis and overall presentation of material. The humanities piece of mapping and GIS comes from the way that spaces are studied for their geography, cultural aspects and interpretations. An example of this from the book is Troubled Geographies: A Spatial History of Religion and Society in Ireland. "The maps show the impact of various events- famine, war, and partition- on the population of Ireland before it was divided and after" (Drucker, 138). The data within the map comes from demographics of the area and combined to analyze.

    My DH analysis was The Met 360 project which is a virtual tour that used technology to create immersive experiences with the art exhibits. Virtual tours connect with the humanities by making spaces accessible and enhance educational engagement. One of the things that I focused on in this chapter and in my project was the values of virtual reality experiences. Because so many spaces are making online options available there is no need to go in person. The quote from the book that I highlighted is "When we reflect on the values of virtual exhibition, some benefits seem obvious. The experience is available without travel, the cost of admission is generally free and many objects can be approached for close up viewing in ways that would not be possible in an actual museum setting. But, the ecological costs of creating, storing, and providing access to such materials are considerable, and rarely considered as part of the ethical consideration of the value of these exhibits" (Drucker, 164). Virtual tours may be taking away from the museum experience and connection with art and history, but it also provides an accessible experience and awareness of the spaces.