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ALFA GEO


The use of geographic information in the arts and humanities has recently undergone a remarkable growth spurt. However, knowledge of geographic applications is available only to a restricted number of researchers. As of yet there is no overview of the existing resources, applications and needs in the arts and humanities with respect to geographic information, leaving many opportunities unexploited.

The object of Alfa Geo is to promote greater use of geographical information by making it more accessible. DANS does this by keeping researchers in the arts and humanities informed on the geographical information available as well as providing them with practical tools for its usage.

The following activities are being undertaken:

  • Stimulation of small-scale initiatives in the form of Small Data Projects
  • Inventorying the use of geographic information by researchers in the arts and humanities
  • Organising thematic symposia, e.g. 'History and Geographic Information System' training day, DANS - 8 June 2007 and Geodata op de kaart gezet, 20 juni 2008.
  • Organisation of practice-oriented workshops
  • Compilation of a best practices book, illustrating the use of geographic information in the arts and humanities

Project leader: Dr Rene van Horik T 06 232 973 89 E rene.van.horik
The project runs to 1 October 2008

The project has a budget of 150,000 euros, approximately 30 per cent of which is financed by the programme Scope for Geographic Information

More information:

Presentatie: Oog voor de wetenschap door René van Horik
Rapport: Gebruik en mogelijkheden van geografische data in de alfawetenschappen door Dr. Elger Heere. (PDF in Dutch only)
Rapport: Projectplan Kaart in Zicht, georefereren en annoteren van manuscriptkaarten door Louisa Balk (PDF in Dutch only)
Rapport: Laatmiddeleeuws ’s-Hertogenbosch in Europees perspectief: GIS als
hulpmiddel om nationale en internationale contacten van de laatmiddeleeuwse
stad ’s-Hertogenbosch zichtbaar te maken door Drs Marjolijn Kruip (PDF in Dutch only)
Application Small Data Project 'Brugse Wegwijzer' (Bruges Itinerary)