In this week’s post we’re supposed to pick a mapping project provided by the professor to analyze the maps. Our task is to analyze the components and layout and I chose to do this on the Mapping Harlem project. The Digital Harlem map is an attempted reproduction of people’s lives and the landmarks of Harlem during the years 1915-1930. At a glance, the map is overlaid on a Google Maps based in New York. The region of Harlem is shaded in by the author and there’s a panel on the side that lets you pick the person and places you want to explore.
On this panel on the map, there are more options after you select the person. This kicks in after selecting a particular person and time period to explore as you are provided with a detailed description that appears on the pinned points of the map. The location selected is then highlighted and pinpointed. I think the map does a very good job of showing things in the perspectives of the subjects picked by the author to the visitors. We can almost really see the history through their eyes.
I think this map is almost entirely subjective. Even the initial boundaries picked by the author are almost completely subjectively. Who is the say exactly and objectively where the boundaries of Harlem during the time period are? It’s not like the border of Harlem is exactly marked or stated officially to start or end anywhere. After this, you have to consider the author is the one who picked the few people who were used to draw data from on this map. Therefore, it was his opinion and subjectivity that decided on which subjects to use. He then used their subjective opinions and recollection of spots and descriptions of Harlem that they personally choose. Interesting enough, this topic on the surface seems like something that can be objectively depicted and described, yet once you dissect it and take it apart, a lot of the components are subjective.
This map completes its purpose very well since I don’t really think anyone could have done this completely objectively. It’s a very interesting topic and the author did a good job using its subjects and their depictions as a way to bring this map to life. Overall good job by the creator!