Historical GIS Projects: Spatial Data Infrastructure

Abstract

The use of historical GIS (HGIS) in humanities and social sciences research has added dimensions to scholarship in terms of both analysis and visualization. The construction of appropriate HGIS systems for the integration of historical data requires large investments in time, resources, and technical expertise. Fundamental to the success of such systems is the spatial data infrastructure (SDI) that consists of crucial components including licensing, data formats, documentation, and standards of metadata. This paper examines the aspects of an SDI necessary for HGIS, particularly on the level of national endeavours, through use of the example of the Great Britain Historical GIS Project. The detailed facets of an effective SDI for a national HGIS can serve as a model for researchers in Canada interested in developing a similar resource.