Research Guides: Digital Humanities Resources: Tools: Maps &amp; Timelines

Map in Space and Time...

These tools straddle the line between analysis tools and exhibition tools.

Each tool is accompanied by a description of its functions and additional details under "more" to help you decide which tool is right for your project. I will mark the ones with which I do not have personal experience.

Maps

Palladio
Palladio allows users to create maps, generate network analyses, and visualise complex data.
more...less...
Web-based or download? Web-based.
System requirements: None. The program interprets .csv files best.
User Support: FAQ and help documentation is extensive. That being said the learning curve remains somewhat steep.

PolicyMap This link opens in a new window
PolicyMap is a U.S. national data and mapping tool and analytics platform with multidisciplinary applications including demographic and socioeconomic analysis, from local to national level with the ability to create custom regions.

StoryMap JS
StoryMap allows users to tell location-based stories. You can use change the visual style of your map from a handful of pre-designed themes or make your own using Mapbox. It is also possible to map on your own images to tell stories with works of art, historical or fictional maps, and other large files.
more...less...
Web-based or download? Web-based.
System requirements: None.
User Support: The help section includes a limited FAQ and links to active support fora.
Making Map Overlays
This guide from UPenn breaks down a variety of tools for making map overlays with historical maps.

Timelines

Timeline JS
Like StoryMap JS, but for timelines. Users build their timeline in a google spreadsheet (template provided). Experts can use JSON skills for additional customisation, but it is absolutely not required knowledge.
more...less...
Web-based or download? Web-Based.
System requirements: None.
User Support: The help section includes a limited FAQ and links to active support fora.
Padlet
A very lightweight tool with multiple options for creating projects including a timeline.
more...less...
Web based or download? Web Based
System Requirements: None
User Support: help section is limited but pretty clear for such a lightweight tool