Close Cookie Popup
Cookie Settings
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. More info
Accept All Cookies
Cookie Settings
Close Cookie Preference Manager
Cookie Settings
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. More info
cookie image
Cookies Preferences
Home
Blog
Transforming Historical Maps with AI
Historical research map

Transforming Historical Maps with AI

Roman Chepenko
Roman Chepenko
Data Scientist and AI researcher
•
5
min read
July 16, 2024
Share this article on:
Generative AI

Today, we delve into the compelling convergence of AI, digital humanities, and history by examining how these technologies are transforming our methods of visualizing and analyzing historical data. This review highlights five leading applications featuring interactive historical maps, demonstrating the innovative ways AI is revitalizing the study of history. These tools showcase the powerful impact of AI on historical research, making complex data more accessible and engaging for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

GeaCron 

GeaCron offers an interactive map with a timeline, allowing users to track changes in country borders over time.

Key Features:

  • Interactive map
  • Timeline (year selection)
  • Paid extended version with 3D maps and historical contexts (politics, art, science, religion)

GeaCron provides extensive historical data, though most features are available only in the paid version. Data has not been updated since 2022, which may be a drawback for users seeking the most current information.

Running Reality

Running Reality focuses on real-time animations of boundary changes, offering a dynamic way to observe historical events.

Key Features:

  • Interactive map
  • Timeline with daily selection
  • Filters and search
  • Hashtags for quick search
  • Open documentation and data upload capabilities

The interface is engaging, and real-time data updates are a highlight. However, not all historical data is accurate, which could confuse researchers.

Old Maps Online

Old Maps Online allows users to search for old maps by region and time period, overlaying them on modern maps.

Key Features:

  • Map and location search
  • Timeline (year selection)
  • Interactive map
  • Overlay of historical maps on modern maps
  • Wikipedia integration for historical context

This application offers unique visualization capabilities, making it indispensable for historians and enthusiasts. However, the interface can be complex for new users.

Ostellus Atlas

Ostellus Atlas provides an interactive map with filters for time and events, along with detailed event information.

Key Features:

  • Interactive map
  • Timeline with daily selection
  • Filters and information windows
  • Interactive timeline visualizing major historical events
  • Wikipedia integration

Ostellus Atlas excels with its visual timelines and comprehensive event integration, making it a powerful tool for historical research. However, data for lesser-known events can be limited.

Better Maps

Better Maps offers modern interactive maps with a comprehensive database for detailed historical analysis.

Key Features:

  • Interactive map
  • Timeline
  • Filters and information windows
  • Data upload capability

Better Maps provides robust tools for analyzing historical events, utilizing AI to enhance maps. The application is paid but offers a trial period to evaluate its features.

Final Thoughts

Our analysis reveals that while not all applications deeply integrate AI, they collectively demonstrate AI's transformative potential in digital humanities. These technologies not only simplify the analysis of historical data but also open up new research opportunities. Combining AI with historical maps offers a fresh perspective on the past, making it more accessible and engaging. Stay tuned for more insights on how modern technology is reshaping our understanding of history!

‍

Roman Chepenko
Roman Chepenko
Master’s Degree in Digital Humanities. Experienced in machine learning and natural language processing, dedicated to developing advanced algorithms that enhance data interpretation and automate complex tasks in various tech industries.
Don't miss out on the latest news!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

People also read

An open book with various symbols emerging from its pages, representing knowledge

AI-Powered Preservation of Endangered Languages

This article explores how AI is revolutionizing efforts to preserve endangered languages and protect cultural heritage and diversity.
Othon Viannis
Othon Viannis
December 3, 2024
•
8
min read
Archaeology
Digital Humanities
Generative AI
Mesoamerica and its cultural areas

Reimagining Mesoamerican and Colonial Historical Archaeology with Artificial Intelligence

Discover how AI transforms historical research, from deciphering vast colonial archives to mapping forgotten geographies. Using cutting-edge tools like NLP, computer vision, and GIS, researchers uncover hidden narratives in 16th-century documents like the Relaciones Geográficas de Nueva España. This fusion of technology and collaboration with Indigenous communities is reshaping our understanding of history, making the past more accessible.
Patricia Murrieta-Flores
Patricia Murrieta-Flores
November 28, 2024
•
6
min read
Archaeology
Historical Research
Generative AI
a man studies history

Artificial Intelligence’s Unexpected Role in Uncovering Historical Silences

This article explores how AI can help address the problem of “historical silence,” where marginalized voices are excluded from narratives. Drawing on Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s framework, it highlights the potential of AI to expose biases and create counter-narratives, amplifying overlooked perspectives such as Indigenous resilience.
Miray Özmutlu
Miray Özmutlu
November 18, 2024
•
6
min read
Historical Research
Historical Events
View all

Contribute to Historica's blog!

Learn guidelines, requirements, and join our history-loving community.

Become an author

FAQs

How can I contribute to or collaborate with the Historica project?
If you're interested in contributing to or collaborating with Historica, you can use the contact form on the Historica website to express your interest and detail how you would like to be involved. The Historica team will then be able to guide you through the process.
What role does Historica play in the promotion of culture?
Historica acts as a platform for promoting cultural objects and events by local communities. It presents these in great detail, from previously inaccessible perspectives, and in fresh contexts.
How does Historica support educational endeavors?
Historica serves as a powerful tool for research and education. It can be used in school curricula, scientific projects, educational software development, and the organization of educational events.
What benefits does Historica offer to local cultural entities and events?
Historica provides a global platform for local communities and cultural events to display their cultural artifacts and historical events. It offers detailed presentations from unique perspectives and in fresh contexts.
Can you give a brief overview of Historica?
Historica is an initiative that uses artificial intelligence to build a digital map of human history. It combines different data types to portray the progression of civilization from its inception to the present day.
What is the meaning of Historica's principles?
The principles of Historica represent its methodological, organizational, and technological foundations: Methodological principle of interdisciplinarity: This principle involves integrating knowledge from various fields to provide a comprehensive and scientifically grounded view of history. Organizational principle of decentralization: This principle encourages open collaboration from a global community, allowing everyone to contribute to the digital depiction of human history. Technological principle of reliance on AI: This principle focuses on extensively using AI to handle large data sets, reconcile different scientific domains, and continuously enrich the historical model.
Who are the intended users of Historica?
Historica is beneficial to a diverse range of users. In academia, it's valuable for educators, students, and policymakers. Culturally, it aids workers in museums, heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural event organization. For recreational purposes, it serves gamers, history enthusiasts, authors, and participants in historical reenactments.
How does Historica use artificial intelligence?
Historica uses AI to process and manage vast amounts of data from various scientific fields. This technology allows for the constant addition of new facts to the historical model and aids in resolving disagreements and contradictions in interpretation across different scientific fields.
Can anyone participate in the Historica project?
Yes, Historica encourages wide-ranging collaboration. Scholars, researchers, AI specialists, bloggers and all history enthusiasts are all welcome to contribute to the project.