Digital mapping can be defined as the methodology of using geospatial information to create visual representations of historically significant locations with the purpose of investigating historical processes and relationships (Presner and Shepard, 2016).  In other words, digital mapping allows researchers to discover the value of time and place for specific areas. According to Presner and Shepard (2016), mapping can be simply understood as “a kind of visualization that uses levels of abstraction, scale, coordinate systems, perspective, symbology, and other forms of representation to convey a set of relations” (p. 1). However, the digital humanities have revolutionized mapping from its most basic form to alternative and improved versions. For instance, mapping now includes historical mapping of “time layers”, linguistic and cultural mapping, conceptual mapping, community-based mapping as well as the use of technology to create visual interactives (Presner & Shepard, 2016). This revolutionization of mapping enables scholars to have a new method of research that can “test hypotheses, discover patterns, and investigate historical processes and relationships”(Presner & Shepard, 2016, p.8).

 Several projects have emerged in light of mapping advancements such as Photogrammar, Histories of the National Mall, and Mapping the Gay Guides. Each project expanded on the original understanding of its subject matter. Photogrammar reimagined the scale in which the Great Depression impacted most of America and not just what occured in rural America. Histories of the National Mall provides tourists and site visitiors “compelling stories and primary sources that together build a textured historical context for the space and how it has changed over time.” Mapping the Gay Guides provides six decades worth of  insight on businesses and locations that were friendly to the gay community. 

Online mapping tools such as kepler.gl further demonstrate the ways in which digital mapping can illuminate historical questions and relationships. Kepler.gl has many features that enable the use of point, cluster, and heat maps along with the use of filters to demonstrate key aspects of information from uploaded data. Points maps can give us a basic understanding of what areas a researcher should focus on. Cluster maps can show us the density of data points and a general area of focus while heat maps can give data specifics on location. Kepler.gl also offers a category map and timeline feature to differentiate given data with categories and to demonstrate changes in the data over time. My original understanding of digital mapping included the idea that it could be used to conduct an analysis of geographic information. Tools such as kepler.gl have the ability to conduct data analysis and interpretation in various mapping styles and features.