Mapmaking for Language Documentation and Description

Main author: Gawne, Lauren
Other authors: Ring, Hiram
Format: Journal Article           
Online access: Click here to view record


Summary: This paper introduces readers to mapmaking as part of language documentation. We discuss some of the benefits and ethical challenges in producing good maps, drawing on linguistic geography and GIS literature. We then describe current tools and practices that are useful when creating maps of linguistic data, particularly using locations of field sites to identify language areas/boundaries. We demonstrate a basic workflow that uses CartoDB, before demonstrating a more complex workflow involving Google Maps and TileMill. We also discuss presentation and archiving of mapping products. The majority of the tools identified and used are open source or free to use.
Other authors: Ring, Hiram
Language: English
Published: University of Hawai'i Press 2016