Toronto-area HGIS workshop resources
In preparation for the HGIS workshop, participants are asked to examine the following resources:
July 18, 2008
Workshop Outline
Historical GIS Workshop Outline
Instructor: Marcel Fortin, GIS and Map Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries
Location: Robarts Library, University of Toronto, July 24-25th 2008
Purpose of Workshop
The goal of this workshop is to introduce attendees to the main concepts of Historical GIS by getting them comfortable with GIS software, data, and resources. It should be considered a springboard for building new skills and incorporating them into historical research.
Workshop Structure
The workshop will be divided into two distinct sections. The first section will deal with the fundamentals of GIS while the second section will be concerned with introducing Historical GIS to the group. Each section will comprise of presentations and examples by the instructor and several hands-on modules. Group discussions will also be interspersed during both days.
Workshop Breakdown
July 17, 2008
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
David Rumsey’s Historical Map Collection is a very interesting website for those of us interested in historical GIS. The website has digital copies of maps from around the world. Many of the maps can also be found in Google Earth. You can find the Rumsey Historical Maps layer in the Gallery section of layers in the bottom left of the program’s screen. Once the layer is activated you will see its icon on cities and countries (there are ever a few globes found in the Atlantic Ocean). When you click on the icon the historical map will pop up and you will have the option to overlay in Google Earth.
May 27, 2008
Historical GIS Workshop
Toronto Area HGIS Worshop Application Form
On July 24th-25th 2008, Marcel Fortin, map librarian at the University of
Toronto, will be leading a two-day introductory workshop on Historical
Geographic Information System. The workshop will be held at U of T’s St.
George campus and is free to participants.
The goal of this workshop is to introduce attendees to the main concepts of
Historical GIS by getting them comfortable with GIS software, data, and
resources. It should be considered a springboard for building new skills and
incorporating them into historical research.
The workshop will be divided into two distinct sections. The first day will deal
with the fundamentals of GIS while the second day will be concerned with
introducing Historical GIS to the group. Each section will comprise of
presentations and examples by the instructor and several hands-on modules.
Group discussions will also be interspersed during both days.
There is a limited number of spots for the workshop; therefore, we ask that
interested individuals complete the attached application form indicating what
they hope to get out of the workshop. Please send this application form to
hgisworkshop@gmail.com no later than June 26th. Applicants will be notified of
their status by July 3rd.
The workshop will offer a small travel subsidy for those travelling outside the
Greater Toronto Area.
Please feel free to direct any questions to: hgisworkshop@gmail.com
Cheers,
The Toronto-area Histoical GIS Workshop organizing committee:
Jim Clifford
Brittany Luby
Tom Peace
Andrew Watson
Krista Weger
Jay Young
April 9, 2008
Two day Historical GIS Workshop
Computers are a necessary tool for all types of historians. They facilitate access to sources via digital archives, help manage large quantities of documents, and influence our interpretation. Despite these time- and cost-saving benefits, the growth of computing technologies also challenges the pedigree of the historian. Often the historian is required to gain intermediate or even expert knowledge in a particular type of software in order to carry out his or her analysis. Computer skills are also increasingly important in teaching and communicating with students. This is an area seldom taught during the historian’s formal training.
We are currently seeking funding to hold a two day “crash course” in historical GIS. The workshop is tentatively schedualled for July 24th and 25th and it will take place in Toronto.
Marcel Fortin, GIS and Map Librarian at the University of Toronto, will offer hands-on training to a group of interested historians.
