The potential of using Web-mapping as a tool to support cultural history investigations

Paper maps have always been a valuable resource for cultural history research with a geographic component. The shift from paper to digital maps facilitates a new way for researchers to access, interact with and analyse geographic data. This chapter addresses the use of maps on the Web as tools to support cultural history research. It discusses the emergence of new applications through Web 2.0 and provides a comprehensive classification of types of Web maps with representative examples. As well, it covers models of Web map use and possible goals and tasks inherent to user interaction with maps on the Web.