Geographic Information Systems

Using GIS: Trail of Tears

The AHPP uses GIS and historic maps to find locations, record them and to do spatial analysis.

What is Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?

Simply put, a GIS combines layers of information about a place to give you a better understanding of that place. What layers of information you combine depends on your purpose. The AHPP uses GIS and historic maps to find locations, record them and to do spatial analysis.

Historic maps

The AHPP is working to build a library of historic maps. These maps are scanned and geo-referenced. Having the map scanned not only provides a good back-up but also allows their use in the AHPP's GIS. When studying a given region, the AHPP has the ability to add any relevant historic maps and overlay them with any significant features in the agency's database. The AHPP also has the ability to load these maps into a Global Positioning System (GPS).

1855 Proposed Road - Little Rock to Memphis (72 kb)
1864 Map of Little Rock (215 kb)

GPS

The AHPP's GPS works with a Pocket PC and mapping software. The GPS has the capability to store all the historic information for the area being studied. The information can be reference information or it can be the actual feature being sought, such as a historic roadbed or building. Once the location is found, the GPS records the location and information is entered about the feature. This information is synchronized with the database in the AHPP office.

Rifle Pits CIR Pattern (33 kb)
Village Creek GPS (120 kb)

Projects:

Section 106 Review

The AHPP is working to enhance its historic structures database and integration with the Arkansas Archaeological Survey database. The agency is currently improving the locational accuracy of the structures database and filling missing or incorrect location information. With the historic and Archaeological Survey databases in its GIS, the AHPP can see all the known cultural resources in a given area. This will make the Section 106 Review process quicker and more accurate. The AHPP will also gain the ability to do analysis, such as determining the viewshed of a cell tower.