The Mappa Mundi Project is pictured above^
A treasure of medieval history, The Mappa Mundi, is an antique map which has been around since 1300. Made possible through the efforts of the Mappa Mundi Trust, we are able to study and learn, but more importantly appreciate the culture and beliefs of Christian Europe during the 14th century. The Mappa Mundi Project is an online exhibit that is exquisitely put together, demonstrating the importance of precision and creativity when it comes to virtual exhibits as such.
The online project has many aspects that make it unique, however, it only seems right to begin with the foundation, or sources, of the project. The map itself is the primary source, as the entire site is based on it’s appearance and the stories it tells. Artwork on the map, as well as the descriptions of each drawing, are a major source of information for the website. There is text on the map that give descriptions of some of the illustrations we see, but when you click on the icons affiliated with the images a more in-depth analysis is given. Not all of the drawings are explained, but the ones that are selected are organized into five different categories that are based on what their individual stories contribute to the overall meaning of the project. The subgroups make it easier to maneuver through the map and gain a greater understanding of the recurring messages. Because the map has been digitized through a screening process, the user is able to explore the document more efficiently. The digitization allowed the project staff to include and offer three different viewing options to the user which allow a more personalized experience, as they are able to study the map in ways they would not be able to in real life. I found the 3D viewing capabilities to be the coolest feature of the project, it revealed the genuine creases and wrinkles of the actual document, as well as explanations to how the map received the flaws. Being the map is more than 700 years old and quite historically relevant, it is unlikely anyone in the general public would have access to view it, nonetheless hold and feel it. The Mappa Mundi Trust allows for almost everyone to have the possibility to study the importance of the document by making it accessible online. Not only is it made accessible, but it is broken down and analyzed in a way that is understandable by most. The interactive features of the project highlight the important aspects of the map, but also allow for individual exploration of the document.
The Mappa Mundi Project is linked here: https://www.themappamundi.co.uk/mappa-mundi/